Irving ISD Earns Top Financial Rating and Lowers Tax Rate

By Erika Pedroza
Irving ISD

For the second consecutive year, Irving ISD has earned a perfect score of 100 on the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for the 2025-2026 rating year, according to preliminary results. The milestone builds on Irving ISD’s longstanding record of “Superior” FIRST ratings and reflects the district’s continued commitment to responsible management of taxpayer dollars.

School FIRST, implemented by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), evaluates public school districts on 21 financial indicators, including financial efficiency, timely reporting, fund balance, investment practices and long-term liability solvency.

The system provides a measure of how effectively districts manage resources and maintain sound financial practices that support student learning and long-term financial stability.

That commitment to fiscal responsibility was also reflected in action taken by the Irving ISD Board of Trustees at its August 17 meeting, when the Board adopted a lower tax rate of 98.84 cents, a decrease of 2.75 cents from the previous year, along with the district’s $405,034,564 budget for the 2026-2027 school year. Together, these decisions reflect the district’s focus on responsible financial management while continuing to prioritize students, classrooms and essential services.

“The 100 score is a reflection of the people across Irving ISD making responsible decisions with the resources entrusted to us,” said Dr. Dorian Galindo, Superintendent of Schools for Irving ISD. “I want to recognize our incredible finance team, our central office departments and our campus leaders for being thoughtful and fiscally responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. This recognition, along with the Board’s recent adoption of a lower tax rate and balanced budget, reflects the care and discipline that guide our financial decisions.”

Irving ISD has received “Superior” FIRST ratings for the past six years. Before earning consecutive perfect scores of 100, the district received scores of 98 twice and 96 twice, demonstrating a longstanding record of strong financial management.

The consecutive perfect scores and lower tax rate reinforce Irving ISD’s commitment to financial responsibility, transparency and the effective use of taxpayer resources to support students and classrooms.