For the 22nd time in the past 24 years, McAllen ISD has earned the state’s highest mark, an “A” for Superior Achievement, in the School FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas).
The rating covers the 2025-26 cycle and is based on the district’s 2024-25 financial data. This is the 11th consecutive year the district has earned an “A,” a streak stretching from 2015-16 through 2025-26. Overall, it is the 22nd “A” rating in the program’s 24-year history and is a reflection of the Board of Trustees’ budget oversight and the sustained work of district administration and finance staff.
McAllen ISD scored a 98 on this year’s School FIRST.
“The hard work and solid expertise of our Business Operations team has paid off,” McAllen ISD Superintendent Dr. René Gutiérrez said. “This award represents a high level of transparency and outstanding fiscal management. We take the responsibility entrusted to us with the taxpayers’ dollars very seriously. Ultimately, this carries a positive impact on our students, staff and schools.”
School FIRST measures how well Texas school districts manage public funds, a standard the Texas Education Agency ties closely to the complexity of the state’s school finance system. Districts earn one of four ratings: A (Superior Achievement), B (Above Standard Achievement), C (Meets Standard Achievement), or F (Substandard Achievement).
The School FIRST rating system encourages public schools to better manage their financial resources to provide the maximum amount possible for student instruction. The ratings are based on 21 financial indicators.
As required by state law, the Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 5:30 p.m. in the Dr. Ricardo Chapa Board Room in the McAllen ISD Administration Building (2000 North 23rd Street) in McAllen. McAllen ISD’s rating under the state’s financial accountability system will be discussed.
The full financial management report is available to parents and taxpayers upon request. More information on School FIRST is available on the Texas Education Agency’s website.
About McAllen ISD
McAllen ISD is a 2026 winner of the state’s Postsecondary Readiness Distinction. The district is home to 31 campuses and approximately 19,500 students. To learn more about McAllen ISD’s schools and programs, contact Student Outreach at 956-687-MISD (6473).