For the 15th consecutive year, Abilene ISD has earned an A – Superior Achievement rating through the Texas Education Agency’s School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (School FIRST). The district earned a score of 96 out of 100, improving two points over the previous year. 

TEA’s School FIRST accountability system determines the quality of a public school district’s financial management practices by evaluating financial reporting, budgeting, debt management, internal controls and compliance, and long-term financial stability.

Abilene ISD successfully met all of the state’s critical financial indicators, including submitting a timely annual financial report, receiving a clean report from independent auditors, and compliance with debt-related requirements and governmental payments. 

“Our score reflects the high financial standards we maintain across the district and the exceptional staff whose work makes those standards possible,” Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Hinds said. “Earning an A for 15 consecutive years demonstrates a sustained commitment to sound financial management, strong internal controls, transparency and accountability.”

Mrs. Hinds was recently appointed to serve on the Texas Association of School Business Officials’ TEA Advisory Committee, serving as a trusted voice on financial management and operations of public schools across Texas. She noted that AISD’s history of responsible financial management includes thoughtful long-term planning and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars through the collaborative work of the Board of Trustees, finance team, and district leadership. 

“Our team works diligently to ensure every dollar entrusted to Abilene ISD is managed responsibly and strategically in support of our students and schools,” Mrs. Hinds said. 

Families and community members can view Abilene ISD’s financial transparency page here or learn more about the Texas Education Agency’s School FIRST accountability system at this link.