Garland, TX – The Garland Independent School District (GISD) recently underwent an independent audit conducted by Whitley Penn, a firm with dedicated public sector audit services. Dr. Ricardo Lopez highlighted the findings of this audit during a recent Rowlett Area Chamber Luncheon, shedding light on the district’s financial health and operational efficiency.
As mandated by House Bill 3, passed in the 86th Legislature in 2019, school districts are required to conduct an efficiency audit before holding a voter-approval tax rate election (VATRE). This audit aims to inform voters about the district’s fiscal management, efficiency, and resource utilization ahead of any tax rate decisions, such as the one scheduled for the November 2025 ballot.
For fiscal year 2024, GISD’s Maintenance and Operations (M&O) tax rate was $0.6692, which is significantly lower than the peer district average of $0.7642. This rate is also lower than the highest peer district, Plano ISD, which has an M&O tax rate of $0.8405.
In terms of teacher compensation, the audit revealed that GISD’s average teacher salary for FY 2024 stands at $66,462, surpassing both the peer district average of $66,134 and the state average of $62,474. This positions Garland ISD as a competitive employer in the education sector.
The district’s A-F Accountability Rating for 2025 was reported at 84 (B), higher than the peer district average of 81 (B). This rating reflects GISD’s commitment to providing quality education and effective management.
The audit also pointed out that GISD’s total operating revenue per student of $12,361 was found to be below the peer district average of $12,557 and the state average of $13,037. Additionally, the local property tax revenue from M&O per student was $3,457, significantly less than the peer district average of $5,796.
The audit further detailed operating expenditures, showing that GISD allocated a higher percentage of its budget to instruction and related services (62.1%) compared to the peer district average (60.3%). Conversely, the district spent a smaller proportion on general administration (2.6%) and plant maintenance and operations (7.6%). Despite the funding disparity, Garland ISD has continued to improve educational outcomes.
As the community continues to engage in discussions surrounding Prop A, stakeholders are encouraged to review the full presentation of the findings available online here.
