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EMS ISD "A" Rated for Financial Accountability
Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD has earned an “A” rating for Superior Achievement under the School Financial Accountability Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for the 2023-2024 school year.
This rating, which the District has achieved for the past five consecutive years, is the highest possible in the state. Since the FIRST Rating system was implemented 22 years ago, the District has continued to meet the state’s standards for performance in financial accountability and transparency, with 19 of those years rated as Superior for the district.
Robb Welch, EMS ISD Chief Financial Officer, highlighted that the Superior rating reflects the district's commitment to using taxpayer dollars responsibly and transparently. This includes the Maintenance and Operations budget, funded by local property taxes, as well as bond-earmarked expenditures from voter-approved bond sales.
"At EMS ISD, we place a strong emphasis on financial transparency and accountability to our taxpayers, with the goal that every dollar is spent wisely to benefit our students," Welch said. "The Superior Achievement rating should assure our taxpayers and parents that we are managing funds in an open and responsible manner."
The School FIRST accountability system, mandated by the Texas Legislature and administered by the Texas Education Agency, requires all school districts and charter schools to report their financial accountability ratings to the public.
EMS ISD will present the current rating report at its October 28, 2024, Board meeting. A history of recent FIRST Ratings is available for review on the EMS ISD website.