The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District (MCPASD) has received an Aa1 credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service, one of the highest ratings for school districts in Wisconsin. This rating reflects both the District’s overall financial health and the strength of all its current bonds issued for school improvements.
Moody’s cited MCPASD’s strong available fund balance ratio and robust economic base as key reasons for the rating. The District’s reserves are expected to remain above 30% of revenues, with a projected surplus in fiscal 2025 and a balanced budget for fiscal 2026. Moody’s also noted that MCPASD’s net cash ratio has strengthened to about 25%, and the District has not borrowed for cash flow purposes since fiscal 2022.
“We are committed to managing the community’s resources with integrity and long-term vision,” said Erin Wheeler, MCPASD Director of Finance and Operations. “This rating shows that our financial practices are sound and that we make decisions that benefit both students and taxpayers.”
Why This Matters for Taxpayers
An Aa1 rating allows the District to borrow money for school improvements at lower interest rates, reducing total borrowing costs. This means more tax dollars can go directly to classrooms, teacher support, technology, and student programs instead of interest payments. A strong rating also reflects the health and stability of the community’s local economy, which is a shared achievement between the District and the residents who live and work here.
“The Board’s fund balance policy is designed to maintain reserves above 30% to address unexpected challenges, support our educational priorities, and avoid short-term borrowing,” said Board of Education President Bob Hesselbein. “The District's level of fiscal stability is a primary reason Moody’s recognizes MCPASD with such a strong rating, and it reflects the long-term strategic planning we have in place.”
“Our community entrusts us with valuable resources to educate our children,” said MCPASD Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue. “This rating affirms that we manage those resources responsibly through careful budgeting, long-term financial planning, and regular evaluation of our priorities. Maintaining this high rating requires us to remain disciplined in our spending, transparent in our decision-making, and focused on what matters most, supporting student learning and success.”