GARLAND, TX (Oct. 23 2025) — Garland Independent School District earned a perfect score of 100 on the Texas Education Agency’s Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), demonstrating outstanding financial management and accountability. The 2024-2025 rating is based on data from the 2023-2024 school year.
FIRST evaluates school districts on 21 key indicators, including budgetary practices, debt management, financial solvency, and efficiency in managing public funds. Garland ISD met or exceeded all standards, earning full points across every category. The rating ensures districts are using taxpayer dollars responsibly and transparently.
“The most important factor for acquiring a perfect score was the foresight of leadership that keeps in mind the district’s financial stability when taking long-term decisions,” said Arturo Valenzuela, Executive Director of Finance.
Achieving a perfect score reflects Garland ISD’s dedication to exceptional financial management.
Valenzuela described how the finance department maintains this standard year after year: “By holding constant meetings with each other and being honest about items that need to be addressed. The constant communication allows key members of our team to understand the importance of their roles and how they contribute to acquiring and maintaining the Superior Achievement status.”
A perfect FIRST rating also reflects the district’s commitment to transparency. Garland ISD publicly shares its FIRST results each year. The results will be presented during the regular board meeting on October 28, 2025, following a public notice published in The Dallas Morning News on October 6, 2025.
“Since the beginning of the A-F rating in the 2015-16 school year, Garland ISD has received an ‘A’ Superior Achievement rating from the TEA. All but one year have been a perfect 100 score, which shows the ongoing commitment to strong financial stewardship,” said Darrell Dodds, Chief Financial Officer.
Garland ISD continues to set the standard for financial transparency and accountability, ensuring taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly while supporting the district’s mission and community trust.
Submitted press release.
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