Belton ISD Earns Top Rating on Annual Fiscal Accountability Review for 10th Straight Year
Belton ISD has earned a “Superior Achievement” rating on the annual state fiscal accountability review for the 10th year in a row.
Robert Muller, the district’s interim chief financial officer, shared with the Board of Trustees at its regular meeting Monday results from the 2021 School FIRST (Financial Accountability Rating System of Texas) Report issued by the Texas Education Agency.
The 2021 rating is based on data from the 2019-2020 school year and evaluates school districts on 20 indicators, including the findings of external auditors, cash on-hand, debt and staffing levels. Using the 20 indicators, school districts are scored on a 100-point scale. Belton ISD received 98 possible points.
“This is something to be proud of,” said Board President Jeff Norwood. “It’s an objective look at the district’s fiscal responsibility, and the results speak for themselves. Even amidst our accelerated fast growth, Belton ISD is providing a great education for students at a great value for taxpayers.”
In other news, the Board approved the hiring of Jennifer Bailey as the district’s new executive director of communications and community engagement. She replaces Elizabeth Cox, who is leaving the position to spend more time with her family.
Bailey has 15 years of experience in school communications, most recently serving as director of communications in Jarrell ISD. She has also held communication roles in Georgetown ISD and Leander ISD.
“I’m so proud to be the executive director of communications for this amazing district,” Bailey said. “The energy of this community is infectious, and I'm privileged to serve here.”
Bailey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech communication from Texas A&M University and Certification in Public Communication from Texas Christian University.