superior rating in financial accountability …
The Kennedale Independent School District has earned a superior rating from the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) 2017. Kennedale scored 100 out of 100. For the superior rating,this is a return performance for Kennedale ISD. {{more: continue …}}
FIRST was established to help ensure that Texas public schools are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices and that they improve those practices. The system was also designed to disclose the quality of local management and decision-making processes that impact the allocation of financial resources of the school district. It was established 15 years ago.
The ratings for 2017 were based on budgetary and financial date reported for the 2015-16 fiscal year. While Kennedale has earned the honor before, this year was a little more challenging in that the scoring criteria was stricter this year.
earned recognition year after year …
In 2016 it was 98 out of 100 as it was in 2015. In the 2014 report, it was a perfect score of 30 out of 30. In in 2013 it was 19 out of 20 possible and another superior achievement as it was in 2012 and again in 2011.a tribute to business office management …
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| KISD Business Manager Sue
Martin has been on the job for 37 years |
One of the constancy of KISD?s record of financial accountability has been the school district?s Business Manager Sue Martin. Hired by Superintendent JW Teague in 1980 for this very same position. Martin, who is also a certified English teacher, has weathered four different superintendents, the quadrupling of the student enrollment along with the school budget, three new campuses and a many renovations and expansion of existing facilities.
She has seen any number of administrators pass through her office, making pleas or seeking help for funding of new program or some special projects. Many a school principal has cut their teeth while learning the ins and outs of the budget as tutored by Martin.
Early on she earned a reputation for being blunt and tenacious. Some even referred to her as that ?little yankee? (mostly in an affectionate way). But, she has also earned the respect of all who dealt with her for her honesty, integrity and professionalism not to mention her wizardry at making a budget work.Last week at the KISD Board meeting when the district received another A+ on the annual independent audit of school district books, Superintendent Gary Dugger had nothing but praise for Martin.
