EDLD+5343+-+Week+4,+Part+1

The three most important components of FIRST are:
 * Did the district have full accreditation status in relation to financial management practices?
 * Did the audit not disclose any instance of material weaknesses in internal controls?
 * Was there an unqualified opinion in the audit?

The superintendent should be as concerned with the FIRST rating as the AEIS rating. The FIRST rating ensures that there are no material weaknesses in the internal controls. As public servants, we are responsible to let the people know how we are spending their money. It is their money, their schools, and their kids. The FIRST is another safeguard to ensure that we are being the best possible stewards of the taxpayers’ money.