PLEASE DIRECT INQUIRIES TO:
Mr. Samuel Karns, Superintendent
262-472-8700
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2026
Moody’s Assigns Aa3 Rating to Whitewater Unified School District
WHITEWATER, WI — Moody’s Ratings has assigned an Aa3 rating to the Whitewater Unified School District’s planned $13.6 million issuance of general obligation promissory notes.
Moody’s also maintained the district’s Aa3 issuer rating and Aa3 rating on its outstanding general obligation unlimited tax bonds. Following the sale, WUSD will have approximately $34 million in outstanding general obligation unlimited tax debt.
Promissory notes are a type of short-term borrowing used by school districts to finance projects and manage capital needs. According to Moody’s, the rating reflects WUSD’s growing local economy, stable enrollment, adequate reserves, and modest debt levels.
“This strong credit rating reflects our commitment to responsible financial management and long-term planning,” said Superintendent Samuel Karns. “We are proud to maintain a high rating from Moody’s while continuing to invest in our schools and support the educational needs of our students and community.”
Moody’s noted that WUSD benefits from its location, approximately 50 miles from both Madison and Milwaukee, as well as the presence of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, which plays a significant role in supporting local economic activity.
The agency also reported that the district’s tax base continues to grow, driven by recent residential and commercial development. New housing construction and population growth are expected to help maintain stable enrollment.
Financial indicators remain solid, with the district’s available fund balance ratio at 18 percent and its net cash ratio at 14 percent in Fiscal Year 2025. The district projects balanced general fund operations in the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years.
To learn more about WUSD’s rating, visit https://ratings.moodys.com/ratings-news/460247.
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