District maintains state’s highest standard of financial accountability

MISD earns 24th consecutive Superior financial rating

Midlothian ISD has earned the state’s highest rating for financial accountability for the 24th consecutive year, receiving a Superior Achievement rating under the Texas Education Agency’s 2025-26 School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). The rating evaluates the district’s financial management of fiscal year 2024-25 resources and is preliminary until later this fall. MISD earned a score of 94 on the FIRST.

The Schools FIRST accountability rating system assigns one of four financial accountability ratings to Texas school districts, with the highest being Superior Achievement. The rating system includes a number of evaluative measures covering financial solvency, compliance, administrative costs and audit results. Midlothian ISD has received the highest assessment since the inception of the FIRST rating. The superior rating strongly indicates the district’s careful planning and disciplined financial management of taxpayer resources. 

The Superior Achievement rating is particularly meaningful to MISD as the district continues to navigate financial constraints affecting public school districts across Texas. Through strategic budget planning and cost saving measures across departments and campuses, MISD has reduced its projected budget deficit each of the past three years while prioritizing student programs. 

“Earning the state’s highest financial accountability rating for the 24th consecutive year reflects a long-standing commitment to responsible stewardship of our community’s resources,” said Superintendent Dr. David Belding. “That commitment has been especially important as we’ve navigated significant budget challenges. Our staff have worked collectively to carefully manage resources, make difficult decisions, and reduce our budget deficit each of the past three years while continuing to protect student programs. This rating affirms the disciplined financial management of our district.”