Published: October 20, 2009 07:14 pm      

JISD receives highest rating

By Nathan Straus

nstraus@jacksonvilleprogress.com



Jacksonville Independent School District received a superior achievement rating under the Texas Education Association’s School Financial Integrity Rating System.

The superior financial rating was issued for the district’s 2007-08 fiscal year, which is the seventh consecutive year it has been rated superior.

Lindy Finley, assistant superintendent of operations and finances, said she is proud of the rating.

“We work hard at accurately reporting the district’s finances, and we’re very pleased with the results,” she said.

To get the superior rating, the district was graded on a set of 21 indicators.

Rachel Payne, an outside auditor from Robinson and Payne PLLC of Carthage, said the school’s finances look very good.

“We audit several districts and JISD definitely has superior financial reporting,” she said.

Payne also said the district’s 2007-08 financial rating is well deserved.

Finley said she attributes the high score to the hard work of the business office staff and their attention to detail.

Dr. Joe Wardell, JISD superintendent, said he believes the rating shows Jacksonville schools have consistently worked very hard with all the taxpayer dollars they receive.

“I’ve seen tremendous dedication,” he said. “I’ve been impressed with all the people in the business office.”

The school’s 2008-09 fiscal year is still being audited.

School officials expect more good news next year on the latest financial reports.