December 19, 2025, Lancaster ISD/Lancaster TX-- Lancaster Independent School District has earned an “A” rating for Superior Achievement under the Texas Education Agency’s Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), reflecting the district’s strong financial management, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public funds.
Lancaster ISD received an overall score of 92 out of 100, placing the district in the highest performance category of the state’s financial accountability system. The rating is based on the district’s 2023–2024 audited financial data and evaluates compliance, liquidity, and long-term solvency across 20 indicators established by the Texas Education Agency.
The achievement reflects the district’s continued commitment to fiscal responsibility under the leadership of Chief Financial Officer Dana Shaw-Mosley, whose oversight has ensured sound budgeting practices, clean audits, and compliance with all state financial requirements.
“This ‘A’ rating is a testament to the diligence, expertise, and integrity of our finance team,” said Dana Shaw-Mosley, Chief Financial Officer for Lancaster ISD. “We take our responsibility to taxpayers seriously, and this recognition affirms that Lancaster ISD is managing its resources wisely in support of student success.”
The FIRST rating system, required by state law, provides the public with a clear measure of how effectively school districts manage financial resources. Districts earning an “A” rating demonstrate superior performance in areas including timely financial reporting, debt management, cash flow, fund balance stability, and financial transparency.
Lancaster ISD successfully passed all required compliance indicators and demonstrated strong liquidity and solvency measures, further reinforcing the district’s ability to responsibly support instructional priorities, staff, and students both now and in the future.
“Sound financial management is essential to student achievement,” said Lancaster ISD Superintendent Dr. A. K. Perera. “This rating reflects our district’s unwavering commitment to accountability, transparency, and strategic stewardship of taxpayer dollars as we continue to invest in our students and community.”
As required by the Texas Education Code, Lancaster ISD presented its financial management report and FIRST rating during a public hearing, on December 18, to ensure continued transparency and community engagement.
For more information about the School FIRST rating system or Lancaster ISD’s financial accountability, visit www.lancasterisd.org.
