CONGRATULATIONS: COMPTON UNIFIED EARNS MOODY’S CREDIT RATING UPGRADES

The Compton Chamber of Commerce proudly congratulates the Compton Unified School District, its Board of Trustees, Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley, and the entire district leadership team on earning multiple credit rating upgrades from Moody’s Ratings.

Announced by the district early August, these upgrades represent meaningful recognition of Compton Unified’s financial strength, responsible management, and continued commitment to investing in the educational future of our community.

For Compton, this achievement is about more than financial ratings. It reflects the value of careful planning, responsible stewardship of public resources, and a shared determination to provide local students with the facilities and opportunities they deserve.

A STRONGER FINANCIAL FOUNDATION

Moody’s upgraded Compton Unified’s ratings across three important categories:

• The district’s issuer rating improved from A1 to Aa3.

• Its general obligation bond rating improved from Aa3 to Aa2.

• Its lease revenue bond rating improved from A2 to A1.

Moody’s also assigned an Aa2 rating to the district’s 2026 general obligation bond issuances and maintained a stable outlook.

According to the district, the upgrades reflect factors including healthy financial reserves, conservative budgeting, improving enrollment trends, and strong financial leadership.

Higher credit ratings can improve a public agency’s position when financing approved capital projects and may help reduce borrowing costs. For a school district undertaking significant campus construction and modernization, those potential savings matter to both the district and the taxpayers who support its work.

A COMMUNITY INVESTING IN ITS SCHOOLS

Compton Unified’s progress reflects more than decisions made inside a district office. It also reflects years of community support for improving local schools.

District voters have approved three major school-facility bond measures:

• Measure S, approved in 2015: $350 million.

• Measure AAA, approved in 2022: $350 million.

• Measure CPT, approved in 2026: $360 million.

Together, these measures authorized approximately $1.06 billion for approved school-facility improvements, repairs, modernization, and new construction.

That figure represents voter-approved borrowing authority—not a claim that the entire amount has already been borrowed or spent. Each bond program is subject to its applicable legal requirements, designated project purposes, and oversight responsibilities.

These investments have contributed to an ambitious vision for the district’s campuses, including the new Compton High School, construction plans for a new Centennial High School, and future improvements associated with Dominguez High School.

For families, students, and educators, modern school facilities represent more than updated buildings. They create stronger environments for learning, career exploration, athletics, technology, and community pride.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SUPPORTS EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

The district has also reported a 94% graduation rate and a 95% college acceptance rate, alongside improving academic outcomes and increased access to programs that help students prepare for college and careers.

While credit ratings and academic performance measure different things, both contribute to a broader picture of what a community can accomplish when educational goals are supported by responsible administration and long-term planning.

Board President Micah Ali and Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley have emphasized that sound financial stewardship helps establish the foundation for continued investment in students, schools, and educational opportunity.

The Chamber recognizes that this progress also depends on the daily work of teachers, administrators, support staff, families, community partners, and the students whose dedication gives these investments their purpose.

STRONG SCHOOLS HELP BUILD A STRONGER COMPTON

A thriving school system plays an important role in the overall health of a community.

Quality schools help prepare the future workforce, support neighborhood stability, strengthen community confidence, and create opportunities for productive partnerships among educators, local businesses, civic organizations, and families.

For the business community, investments in education are also investments in Compton’s future entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, public servants, tradespeople, and community leaders.

The Compton Chamber of Commerce celebrates this milestone and congratulates everyone who contributed to it. We look forward to seeing continued progress as Compton Unified advances its work to improve facilities, expand opportunities, and support the next generation of local scholars.

Congratulations to the Compton Unified School District on this well-earned recognition.

For additional information, read the district’s official announcement: Compton Unified Earns Moody’s Credit Rating Upgrades.