Nov. 7, 2025—Cypress-Fairbanks ISD received a rating of Superior by the Texas Education Agency (TEA)’s School FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) program, announced in early August – marking the 23rd consecutive top rating for CFISD.
The rating system measures the quality of a district’s financial management and reporting system based on 21 indicators. CFISD received the highest rating on 19 of 20 scored indicators. While a score of 70 indicates a passing mark, CFISD attained a score of 98. The highest possible score is 100.
“We are very pleased to once again receive the highest rating of ‘Superior Achievement’ under Texas’ FIRST financial accountability rating system,” said Karen Smith, CFISD chief financial officer. “This is the 23rd year of the FIRST financial accountability rating system, with CFISD receiving the highest possible rating all 23 years. This achievement shows that our district is making the most of our taxpayers’ dollars and demonstrates the quality of the district’s financial management and reporting system.”
A public hearing and presentation on CFISD’s School FIRST rating was held in conjunction with the Board of Trustees work session on Nov. 6…