New Braunfels ISD received a score of 98 points out of 100 and was awarded a letter grade of “A” in the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). NBISD has received the highest rating in the state’s financial accountability system since its inception in 2002.
The FIRST ratings are based on 20 financial indicators such as administrative cost expenditures, the accuracy of a district or charter’s financial information submitted to TEA, and any financial vulnerabilities or material weaknesses in internal controls as determined by an external auditor.
"New Braunfels ISD is proud to once again earn a Superior Rating from TEA on the annual FIRST report,” said Dr. Clint McLain, assistant superintendent of finance and operations. “The Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas ensures that Texas schools are held accountable in all aspects of financial management practices and shines a light on how we continue to be good stewards of the community's finances."
As required, NBISD held a public hearing to publicize the District’s financial report and rating on Oct. 11 during the regular monthly Board meeting held in the NBISD Administration Center Boardroom.
The current ratings are based on annual financial reports provided to TEA by districts and charters from the 2019-2020 fiscal year. The financial accountability system requires TEA to review the audited financial reports from all districts and charters.
Created by the 77th Texas Legislature in 2001, the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) is designed to encourage public schools to better manage their financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.
To review the FIRST report for NBISD as well as reports from past years, go to:
https://tealprod.tea.state.tx.us/First/forms/District.aspx?year=2019&district=046901
On Saturday, September 18th, the NBHS Drumline and Front Ensemble took on the competition at the 12th annual Thunder in the Hills Percussion Invitational at Dripping Springs High School. Unicorn percussionists went head to head against some of the best percussion units from Austin, San Antonio, and Houston, and finished eighth in their highly competitive class. They had an awesome performance and we couldn't be more proud of our percussionists. Congratulations to Mr. Turner and his staff on such an amazing accomplishment.
Also on the 18th, the Unicorn Band hosted the Region 12 All-State Jazz Auditions. Six of our amazing jazzers competed in the first round of the TMEA All State process, against some of the best jazzers in the area. One of our amazing jazz students earned an alternate spot, and three earned chairs in the Region 12 Jazz Ensemble, and recorded for a chance to earn a spot in the TMEA All State Jazz Ensemble. Congratulations to the following students on their amazing accomplishment:
Nate Green - 1st Chair Alto Saxophone
Daniel Guzman - 4th Chair Trumpet
Seth Underwood - 2nd Chair Drum Set
Daniel Castillo - 1st Alternate Tenor Saxophone
Congratulations again to all of our region jazz students!
On Saturday October 2nd, the Unicorn Band attended the Vista Ridge Marching Contest in Cedar Park Texas. This was the band's first competition in nearly two years, and the first time our freshmen and sophomore classes have had the opportunity to take part in a marching contest. This was also the first time that the band has had multiple contest runs in one day and has earned a placement in the finals of any competition since 2016. Despite all of the challenges we've faced, from absences, to illness, to injury, to rained out rehearsals and technical challenges, the band managed to compete with some of the best bands in the area, and did so brilliantly. When the dust settled and all of the scores were tabulated, The Unicorn Band finished third in class 6A, and 4th overall. This is a huge accomplishment! The band went head to head against some truly great bands, and in the end only four points separated us from 1st place, while almost six points (5.8) separated us from the next group. The Unicorn Band is in the same class as some truly amazing ensembles, and we're only going to get better. We couldn't be more proud of our students and our staff, and believe wholeheartedly that this was just the beginning of what will most certainly turn out to be an awesome marching season. The best is yet to come. Way to go Unicorn Band!
Saturday October 9th was a banner day for the Unicorn Band as they attended the Comal Classic Marching Festival at Canyon High School. Despite facing some seriously talented competition, The Unicorn Band walked away with a 1st place finish in 6A, and earned awards for best music, best marching, best auxiliary (colorguard), and best visuals. The band was also awarded the Grand Champion trophy for the entire festival.
"Such an accomplishment would not have been possible were it not for all of the parent support, our amazing faculty, staff, and administration, our brilliant band staff, and of course the students," said David Eckert, NBHS Director of Bands. "Thank you for all of your hard work. It has truly paid off. And the best has still yet to come!"
"Despite all of the awards and accolades, the highlight for me was at the very end of the contest, when we were informed that the Canyon Band had forgotten to bring over their podiums for their performance. Without hesitation, a group of Unicorn Band students sprung into action, ran to grab the podiums, rushed them to the field, and helped assemble them. Such an act of kindness for our cross town "rivals" is a sign of caring and compassion that cannot be measured in trophies. This to me was the biggest reward of all. We truly have the best students on the planet! We couldn't be more proud! Way to go Unicorn Band!" added Eckert.
To recognize the National School Lunch Program, serving nearly 30 million children each day, New Braunfels ISD schools will celebrate National School Lunch Week from October 11-15, 2021. The fun and creative campaign theme, “WILD About School Lunch” highlights the importance of a healthy school lunch to a student’s success both in and out of the classroom.
Recent research shows children are getting their healthiest meals at school. National School Lunch Week will highlight the nutritious foods available daily.
School lunches offer students fruits and vegetables, whole grains and milk, and meet federal nutrition standards limiting fat, calories and sodium. Thanks to pandemic waivers, school meals are free for all students this school year, so it’s a great time to give school lunch a try. National School Lunch Week helps us educate parents and students about all the wonderful benefits of our lunch program.
The federally-funded National School Lunch Program (NSLP) has been fueling students for success for 75 years
The “WILD About School Lunch” campaign is made possible by the nonprofit School Nutrition Association and Kellogg’s. Parents and students can follow the fun using the hashtags #NSLW21, #WILDSchoolLunch and #SchoolLunch.
More information about the NBISD Child Nutrition Department can be found here: https://www.nbisd.org/page/nutr.index