EPISD earns state’s highest financial accountability rating
(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT -- Aug. 10, 2020) — The Texas Education Agency this year gave the El Paso Independent School District’s financial management and reporting system an “A” rating — the highest given by the state.
EPISD earned a Superior Achievement rating in the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas, or FIRST, based on data collected and reported during the 2019-2020 school year, which is the latest reporting year.
“EPISD is a good steward of its finances and values the investments our taxpayers have made in the education of our children,” said Superintendent Juan E. Cabrera. “The District’s continued Superior rating should give the public the peace of mind and assurances that their hard-earned tax dollars are being used effectively and wisely.”
The rating is determined by the state using 15 reporting factors that include the successful completion and publishing of a financial statement, the effective and clear auditing of the financial statements by an independent auditor, compliance with debt payments, payments to the Teacher’s Retirement System, the strength of the District’s financial reserves, and a low administrative cost ratio.
EPISD’s administrative cost ratio is among the lowest in the region and the state.
The District received a total of 98 points out of 100. This is the 17th time in the 18 years the FIRST rating has been issued that EPISD has received a Superior Achievement rating.