In 2016, HCDE was awarded the Texas Comptroller Leadership Circle Platinum Award for Financial Transparency. Since that time the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has initiated a greater level of accountability, and are recognizing local governments for going above and beyond in their transparency efforts.

The Texas Transparency Stars program is the next level of transparency accountability. The program recognizes government entities that provide clear and meaningful financial information through the posting of financial documents as well as summaries, visualizations, downloadable data and other relevant information in the following specified areas.

• Traditional Finances Data
• Debt Obligation Data
• Contracts and Procurement Data
• Open Government and Compliance
• Public Pensions

Texas Education Agency (TEA) School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) is designed to encourage Texas public schools to better manage their financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes. Visit their site to learn more.

Most recent audited financial statement:  9/1/2023 to 8/31/2024 

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts' Transparency Stars program recognizes local governments for going above and beyond in their transparency efforts. The program recognizes government entities that accomplish the following:

• Open their books not only in their traditional finances, but also in the areas of contracts and procurement, economic development, public pensions and debt obligations; and
• Provide clear and meaningful financial information not only by posting financial documents, but also through summaries, visualizations, downloadable data and other relevant information.

Harris County Department of Education was awarded four stars by the Comptroller's Office.

HCDE continues to improve transparency. Our fiscal year is September 1 through August 31. We have also created a number of public information sections on our website that include the following:

• Tax-Supported and Revenue Supported Debt FY 2024
• Debt Obligations, SEC Filings, and Bond Ratings
• HB 1378 Annual Debt Report
• Debt Transparency Pledge
• Personnel Positions
• Revenues and Expenditures FY 2024