The Socorro Independent School District has received top honors from the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) for demonstrating excellence in purchasing operations and financial management.
For the 12th consecutive year, the SISD Purchasing Department has been recognized with the TASBO Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations. Additionally, the district’s Department of Financial Services has received the TASBO Award of Excellence in Financial Management for the first time.
Both departments will be honored at an awards reception during the TASBO annual conference Feb. 15 in San Antonio.
SISD is one of 71 educational organizations being recognized with the Award of Merit in 2023 for following best practices in purchasing operations.
“The TASBO Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations validates Team SISD’s continued commitment to maintaining high standards in our procurement practices,” said Gabby Garcia, SISD purchasing director. “I am incredibly proud of our department’s successful efforts to better utilize our community’s taxpayer dollars.”
Since 2009, the Award of Merit has recognized Texas school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and education services centers that are committed to following professional standards in the acquisition of goods and services. Each year, volunteers with the TASBO Purchasing & Supply Management Research Committee evaluate the award criteria to ensure it represents the latest best practices. They then review new and recertification applications.
Established in 2020, the Award of Excellence is given to Texas school districts, and education services centers that demonstrate professional standards, best practices, and innovations in financial management and reporting.
“The prestigious TASBO Award of Excellence in Financial Management is a result of our department’s diligent efforts to exceed the minimum standards of financial management and ensure good stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said Rene Vargas, SISD business services director. “We are proud to set a high standard for transparent and responsible accounting practices.”
The criteria to qualify for the Award of Excellence is strict, based on financial accounting and reporting guidelines identified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Financial Accountability System Resource Guide (FASRG).
A TASBO accounting subcommittee reviewed documents across 11 key areas, which included, finance department essentials, staffing and training, controls, budget management, processes, cash management, communications, financial reports, financial analyses and projections, external staff training and innovation.
The SISD financial services team worked with the district’s human resources, technology services, academics, child nutrition services, public relations, facilities and planning, state and federal, special education, and athletics departments to gather the necessary data and information for the nomination.
Published February 6, 2023
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