COMPTON UNIFIED EARNS MOODY’S CREDIT RATING UPGRADES

Photos courtesy of CUSD

Independent Rating Agency Recognizes District’s Strong Financial Leadership, Fiscal Responsibility and Continued Academic Excellence

COMPTON, CA – Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026 — Compton Unified School District has earned multiple credit rating upgrades from Moody’s Ratings, one of the nation’s leading independent financial rating agencies, reflecting the district’s continued financial strength and responsible leadership.

The upgraded ratings reflect Compton Unified’s continued commitment to maintaining a strong financial position while making strategic investments that directly benefit scholars. Moody’s cited the district’s healthy financial reserves, conservative budgeting, improving enrollment trends, and strong financial leadership as the key reasons for the upgrades. With these upgrades, Compton Unified is now among California’s stronger-rated school districts for credit quality, reflecting the district’s long-standing financial strength, prudent fiscal management, and responsible governance.

“This recognition is far more than a financial milestone—it is an affirmation of disciplined stewardship, principled governance, and an unwavering commitment to the future of the scholars and families we serve,” said Board President Micah Ali. “Over the past several years, the Board of Trustees has remained steadfast in making thoughtful, forward-looking decisions that have strengthened the district’s financial foundation while transforming opportunities for our scholars. Independent recognition from Moody’s validates that our vision has been matched by responsible action. We will continue to lead with purpose, safeguard the public’s trust, and invest boldly in educational excellence for generations to come.”

Over the past several years, Compton Unified has become one of California’s leading examples of how strong financial leadership can support academic excellence. Today, the district boasts a 94% graduation rate, a 95% college acceptance rate, rising state test scores, and has earned recognition as one of California’s highest-performing school districts among comparable districts. Those accomplishments have been matched by historic investments in scholars and school facilities, including the opening of the new Compton High School, groundbreaking for the new Centennial High School, and plans to build a new Dominguez High School following voter approval of Measure CPT. Together, these achievements demonstrate that responsible financial leadership and educational excellence go hand in hand.

“Our Board of Trustees has made financial responsibility a top priority because it directly impacts what we can provide for our scholars,” said Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley. “Financial responsibility isn’t the end goal—it’s the foundation that allows us to provide exceptional opportunities for every scholar. Because we’ve managed the district’s resources wisely, we’ve been able to invest in outstanding teachers, innovative academic programs, state-of-the-art schools, and the support systems that are helping our scholars achieve at higher levels than ever before. This recognition from Moody’s confirms that Compton Unified is leading with both educational excellence and fiscal responsibility.”

Credit ratings measure an organization’s financial strength and its ability to responsibly manage its finances. Higher credit ratings demonstrate confidence in the district’s financial future and can help lower borrowing costs, allowing more taxpayer dollars to be invested in classrooms, innovative programs, scholar support services, and modern school facilities.

Specifically, Moody’s upgraded Compton Unified’s issuer rating to Aa3 from A1, its General Obligation Bond rating to Aa2 from Aa3, and its lease revenue bond rating to A1 from A2. Moody’s also assigned an Aa2 rating to the district’s 2026 General Obligation Bond issuances and maintained a stable outlook, reflecting confidence in the district’s continued financial strength.

The Moody’s upgrades are the latest independent recognition of Compton Unified’s long-standing commitment to financial excellence as the district continues delivering outstanding academic results while responsibly investing in the future of its scholars.

About Compton Unified School District

Compton Unified School District (CUSD) serves thousands of students across Compton and parts of Carson and Los Angeles. Ranked #1 in California for academic achievement among districts of similar size and demographics, CUSD boasts a 94% graduation rate, 95% college acceptance, and numerous award-winning schools, including National Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished Schools. For more information, visit http://www.compton.k12.ca.us

Contact: John Stouffer
Director of Communications
Compton Unified School District

jstouffer@compton.k12.ca.us
O: (310) 639-4321 x 67602
C: (310) 735-1768
https://www.compton.k12.ca.us