The Italy School Board of Trustees learned the details of the district’s 2006-2007 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas at a public hearing held Monday evening.

Of a possible 85, the district scored an 80. A passing score is 55 or above.

Pam Luttrell, director of special services, said, “We are pleased. We got the highest rating you can receive – Superior Achievement.”

The score is based on 24 different indicators that range from the district’s financial status, the fund balance, bond indebtedness, the district’s academic rating, tax collection, percentage of expenditures for instruction, etc.

Luttrell said the State requires 65% of the budget be spent on direct instruction and said the district met that criteria. Jimmie Malone, superintendent, explained how difficult it is for districts to keep that instructional percentage when fuel costs are so high.

He continued, “We are real pleased. I want to commend Mrs. (Laurice) Marshall and Dr. (Gail) Haterius for taking care of the financial end of that report.”

There were no comments from the public regarding the report.