The Canutillo Independent School District received a Superior Achievement rating in the 2022 Texas Education Agency’s Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST).
The District amassed 98 points out of a possible 100 in the FIRST rating system designed to give taxpayers a glimpse into the financial wellbeing and fiscal responsibility of school districts in the state.
“The community should feel comfortable with the fact that the District continues to be an excellent steward of their taxpayer money,” said Superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz. “Now, more than ever, it is important for us to show our families that we are being responsible and accountable with the money they entrust us with.”
The FIRST Rating measures financial data, budget documents and student performance in 20 categories, including five new ones added this school year. The categories include reviews of financial reports, fiscal solvency, proper debt repayment and fund balance.
CISD missed a perfect 100 score by two points based on the debt payments the District incurred when it purchased Apple devices to distribute to students during the pandemic-related school closures in 2020.
“Those are two points I am willing to give up. They were well worth it,” said board President Sergio Coronado. “Because of those laptops, we were better prepared for online learning and we were able to fare better than most Districts in student achievement through the pandemic.”