Mission CISD Achieves Perfect Score in School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST)

MISSION, TEXAS (August 20, 2024) - Mission Consolidated Independent School District (MCISD) has earned an A-rating with a perfect score of 100 in the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for 2023-2024, based on data from the 2022-2023 school year. This rating highlights Mission CISD's financial management and dedication to maximizing resources for direct instructional purposes. 

"This A rating is a testament to our team's commitment to financial integrity and effective resource management," said Joel Garcia, Deputy Superintendent for Business and Support Services. "Their efforts enable us to provide our students the best possible educational opportunities." 

FIRST, now in its 22nd year, is a financial accountability system developed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The TEA assigns one of four ratings to Texas school districts: "A" for "Superior Achievement," "B" for "Above-Standard Achievement," "C" for "Met Standard Achievement," and "F" for "Substandard Achievement." FIRST aims to ensure quality performance in managing school districts' financial resources, which is particularly significant given the complexities of Texas' school finance system.  

"Receiving an A rating with a perfect score from the FIRST system highlights our district's commitment to financial accountability and excellence," said Dr. Cris Valdez, Interim Superintendent of Schools. "This achievement would not be possible without the diligent work of our Board of Trustees, district leadership, internal auditor, finance team, and the support of our entire community. This recognition commends our efforts to ensure that every dollar spent directly benefits our students and their educational experience." 

This achievement marks the eighth consecutive year Mission CISD earned this top rating. 

In addition to the FIRST rating, Mission CISD has earned several other prestigious finance awards in 2023-2024: 

  • Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO): Meritorious Budget Award 
  • Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA): Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting 
  • National Procurement Institute: Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award 
  • Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO): Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations 
  • Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts: Transparency Stars in Traditional Finances 

For more information on the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), visit, https://tea.texas.gov/finance-and-grants/financial-compliance/financial-integrity-rating-system-of-texas-first 

To view the 2023-2024 RATINGS, visit: https://tealprod.tea.state.tx.us/First/forms/Main.aspx 

 For more information about Mission CISD's financial practices and transparency, visit the Mission CISD Financial Transparency Page at, https://www.mcisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=242019&type=d&pREC_ID=559503. 

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