Ventura School Bonds Get Single ‘A’ Rating

Standard & Poor’s has assigned its single ‘A’ rating to Ventura Unified School District’s general obligation bonds series B dated June 15, 1998, and due Aug. 1, 2028.

The bonds, approved by voters last year, went on sale this month.

Standard & Poor’s also affirmed its single ‘A’ rating on the district’s bonds series A dated Aug. 1, 1997, and due Aug. 1, 1998 through 2017, 2022 and 2027.

The rating reflects the district’s steady enrollment growth, continued growth in assessed property valuations with a strong tax base, moderate debt and generally sound financial performance.

The district, which includes kindergarten through 12th grade, covers Ventura and surrounding areas. The district has 16,609 students, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 20 to 1 for grade levels one through three, and 32 to 1 for grades four through 12.

The Ventura metropolitan area and greater Los Angeles economy provide the majority of employment for district residents. Ventura County is the leading local employer, with 6,788 employees. Other leading employers include other local governments and medical centers.