Charter FIRST Rating for Open-Enrollment Charter Schools and Charter Schools Operated by a Public Institution of Higher Education (IHE)
The purpose of the financial accountability rating system for charter schools, known as Charter Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), is to ensure that open-enrollment charter schools and charter schools operated by a public institution of higher education (IHE) are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices and that they improve those practices. The system is designed to encourage Texas public schools to better manage their financial resources in order to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.
*New* Appeal Process and Recent Changes
New Appeal Process
If your charter school wishes to appeal an adverse issue in your FIRST rating, you will need to submit your appeal through a NEW Process directly in the Charter FIRST application in 7mÊÓƵL. The appeal must be submitted electronically by September 8, 2025, for 7mÊÓƵ to consider the appeal. You will also be able to view and track the appeal submission status directly in the Charter FIRST application.
Charter FIRST Appeal Submission Process Slides
Recent Appeal Changes
The Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §109.1001(n)(9)(A) and (B) was amended to allow for adjustments to scores and ratings upon appeal for FIRST Indicator 1—Timely Submissions of the Annual Financial Report.
Correspondence
Ratings
Financial Management Report Template for Use by Open-Enrollment Charter Schools and Charter Schools Operated by a Public Institution of Higher Education (IHE)
- Charter FIRST Annual Financial Management Report (PDF, 150 KB)
- Charter FIRST Annual Financial Management Report (Excel, 26 KB)
Law and Rules
Law:
Commissioner's Rules: