Charter FIRST Rating for Open-Enrollment Charter Schools and Charter Schools Operated by a Public Institution of Higher Education (IHE)

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The purpose of the financial accountability rating system for charter schools, known as Charter Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), is to ensure that open-enrollment charter schools and charter schools operated by a public institution of higher education (IHE) are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices and that they improve those practices. The system is designed to encourage Texas public schools to better manage their financial resources in order to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.   

Recent Update

Changes effective with the 2022-2023 Charter FIRST Ratings

The Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §109.1001(n)(9)(A) and (B) was recently amended to allow for adjustments to scores and ratings upon appeal for FIRST Indicator 1—Timely Submissions of the Annual Financial Report.

Correspondence

Ratings 

Financial Management Report Template for Use by Open-Enrollment Charter Schools and Charter Schools Operated by a Public Institution of Higher Education (IHE)

Law and Rules

Law:

Commissioner's Rules:

Contact Information

Robin Aldridge (512) 463-3940 or robin.aldridge@tea.texas.gov

Financial Compliance Division

Phone: (512) 463-9095

Fax: (512) 463-1777

Email: financialaccountability@tea.texas.gov