S&P Global Ratings has upgraded Duarte Unified School District's long-term credit rating from 'A' to 'A+' on its general obligation (GO) bonds and assigned the district a stable outlook.
The upgraded rating reflects S&P Global's recognition of Duarte Unified's strong fiscal management, proactive structural budgeting, and healthy financial reserves. This enhanced credit profile can help the district secure more favorable borrowing terms on future issuances of the district's voter-approved bonds, helping taxpayer dollars go further.
"We are incredibly proud to receive this official rating upgrade from S&P Global," said Reyna Diaz, School Board President. "The credit rating agency has recognized our deliberate strides toward establishing long-term, structurally balanced operations. This achievement highlights our deep commitment to being exceptional stewards of our community's tax dollars."
Key Credit Highlights from the S&P Global Report:
- Structural Balance: The upgrade directly reflects Duarte Unified's success in achieving structurally balanced operations, proving fiscal stability independent of temporary, one-time pandemic or emergency state aid.
- Robust Reserves: S&P highlighted Duarte Unified’s healthy fiscal reserves, noting that right-sizing strategies and conservative, routinely outperformed revenue projections will keep reserves above those of state peers.
- Proactive Management: Despite state-level funding volatility and statewide enrollment trends, Duarte Unified’s decisive actions to align expenditures with revenue have reinforced its long-term financial health.
The updated credit rating arrived alongside Duarte Unified’s ongoing management of its municipal bonds, aimed at funding critical facility modernizations and structural improvements across schools. Proactive financial timing and competitive market positioning during recent sales have shielded the district from broader economic volatility.
"This rating upgrade is a win for our entire community," said Superintendent Dr. Jessica Medrano. "By optimizing our financial strategies and keeping a sharp focus on fiscal discipline, we secure more funding directly for our classrooms and campuses. These savings directly support our mission to create modern, future-ready learning spaces where every Duarte Unified student can thrive."
Report Access
- S&P Global Ratings Report: Issued June 30, 2026