KATY, TX [October 30, 2023] – Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD) proudly announces that it has achieved an exemplary “A” rating for “Superior Achievement” in the Texas Schools FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas). The district has earned this distinction for over 20 consecutive years. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to Katy ISD’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of financial management and reporting.
The FIRST rating signifies the district’s dedication to transparent, efficient, and accountable financial practices. In this year’s evaluation, Katy ISD excelled by meeting all critical indicators and amassing an impressive 98-point score in the process.
The Texas Schools FIRST program, established in response to Senate Bill 875 of the 76th Texas Legislature in 1999 and amended under House Bill 5 of the 83rd Texas Legislature, is a financial accountability system for Texas school districts. Its primary goal is to ensure that school districts excel in managing their financial resources, a task made all the more challenging by the intricacies of accounting within Texas’ school finance system.
“Katy ISD has grown exponentially since the inception of the Texas Schools FIRST rating. To consistently earn a ‘Superior Achievement’ rating every year while experiencing tremendous growth across the district is something we are especially proud of,” said Christopher J. Smith, Chief Financial Officer at Katy ISD. “This accomplishment signifies that our district is not only dedicated to student learning but is also adept at achieving these results cost-effectively and efficiently, making the most of our taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars,” he added.
Katy ISD continues to set the gold standard for financial management, ensuring that every dollar is utilized optimally for the benefit of its students and community.
Find more information on Schools FIRST here.
Katy ISD Financial Services