Tomball ISD Finance Department Continues Record of Excellence

TOMBALL — Tomball ISD continues to demonstrate exceptional financial stewardship, consistently earning statewide and national recognition while managing resources efficiently to directly benefit students, staff, and the community.

The Tomball ISD Finance Department, comprising payroll, accounts payable, purchasing, accounting, benefits, federal programs, tax office, budget, risk management, and textbooks, is the engine behind the District’s financial success. With over 400 years of combined experience in Texas school finance and operations and over half those years dedicated to Tomball ISD, the department ensures the District maintains the highest standards of fiscal responsibility.

“These recognitions are a reflection of the dedication and professionalism of our entire finance team and the support of our leadership and Board,” said Zack Boles, Tomball ISD Chief Financial Officer. “They demonstrate that Tomball ISD not only values transparency and accountability but also ensures that every dollar entrusted to us is used wisely to create opportunities for students and to strengthen our community.”

Department Highlights:

• Certified Professionals: Ten department members hold certifications from the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO), a rigorous multi-year program covering all key components of school finance.
   
• Operational Achievements (Last Fiscal Year):
  • 9,000 purchase orders processed
  • 75,650 payroll checks issued
  • 14,500 vendor checks issued

Prestigious Awards & Recognition:

• Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) – Certificate of Achievement for Excellence: Recognizes comprehensive financial reporting that goes beyond minimum accounting standards, promoting transparency and full disclosure. Tomball ISD has earned this certificate for 26 consecutive years, awarded to only 86 districts in Texas.
   
• Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) – Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting: Highlights best practices in financial reporting, demonstrating the department’s dedication and expertise. Tomball ISD has earned this distinction for 26 consecutive years, with only 63 districts in Texas recognized.
   
• Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) – Award of Excellence in Financial Management: A stringent award based on 11 key areas of financial management, recognizing innovation, professional standards, and best practices. Tomball ISD earned this on its first submission, one of only 32 districts statewide.
   
• Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) – Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations: Honors professional standards in acquiring goods and services. Tomball ISD received this award for the third consecutive year, with only 70 districts statewide recognized.

Top-Tier Bond Ratings:

• AA+ rating, Standard & Poor’s (only 23 of 1,002 Texas districts – 2.25%)
• Aa1 rating, Moody’s Investors Service (equivalent to AA+; only 29 districts – 2.84%)
• AA+ rating, Fitch Ratings (only 28 districts – 2.74%)

Impact on the Community:
TISD’s financial excellence translates into tangible benefits for the community:

• Modern, safe, and well-equipped facilities for all students
• Innovative educational programs and advanced technology
• Competitive pay and professional development for educators
• Stable financial foundation that supports district growth and high-quality education

These awards, bond ratings, and operational achievements demonstrate that fiscal responsibility and student success go hand in hand,” said Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, Tomball ISD Superintendent. “Our finance team’s dedication ensures that taxpayer dollars are maximized to benefit our students and community year after year. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to our Board of Trustees for their continued leadership and support. Their commitment to sound financial governance and long-term planning allows Tomball ISD to remain a trusted steward of public funds while providing exceptional educational opportunities for every student.

Take a moment to explore Tomball ISD’s financial achievements, awards, and reports.

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 23,000 students across 25 campuses.