Evanston Township High School has received the highest rating available — “Aaa” — from Moody’s Investors Service for its new $3.8 million bond issue.
Moody’s ratings are opinions of the relative credit risk of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.
In its report, Moody’s says the rating reflects the district’s “affluent suburban base,” and its stable financial operations with satisfactory reserves and prudent management policies.
Although Moody’s says the district has an above-average debt burden, it’s expected to remain manageable over the near term.
“In these challenging economic times we take our stewardship of the public’s money very seriously,” said William Stafford, the high school’s chief financial offficer said in a statement.
“Our Board of Education, in concert with the administration, has worked to balance budgets while still providing a world class education for the children of Evanston and Skokie. We are gratified that the markets are affirming the work we are doing.”
Great. more debt.
When you're in a hole, stop digging.
"CHALLENGES
• Leveraged DSEB base through 2023, including projected 2014 borrowing plan
• IL pension reform that could shift ER payments from state to districts without offsetting revenue enhancing authority
What Could Change the Rating — DOWN:
-Erosion of the district's tax base, including year-over-year declines in assessed valuation
-Weakened financial profile, including inability to absorb increased pension expenditures and/or continued delays to state aid"
Aaa RATING APPLIES TO $22.8 MILLION OF POST-SALE GOLT DEBT
New York, April 20, 2012 — Moody's Rating
“A world class education?”
Our community only wishes ETHS is providing a world class education to all of our kids.
US News and World Report just ranked ETHS 17th in the state of Illinois.
http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools
How does Bill Stafford know that ETHS is "providing a world class education?"