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District earns high marks for finances

12/2/2022 - S&P Global Rating Services recently reviewed Webster Groves School District’s finances and assigned the district’s “AA+” long-term rating, one of the highest ratings among school districts in the state.

WGSD is one of only seven school districts in Missouri to have the “AA+” rating or higher. The rating is based on the district's track record of robust financial performance and strong management practices, which position it well to maintain its stable credit profile over the next two years. 

In its report, S&P cited several complementary highlights of WGSD’s financial outlook. 

  • Three consecutive audited fiscal years of surplus results, albeit on a cash basis of accounting, with positive unaudited results in fiscal 2022, with robust reserves maintained well above the 12% fund balance policy.

  • Very diverse and growing tax base, with high income levels compared with the national average with close proximity to the St. Louis metropolitan statistical area (MSA)

  • Good financial management policies and practices, including the use of multiple enrollment scenarios in financial projections, outside sources for enrollment assumptions, and conservative budget practices.

About S&P Global Rating Services

S&P Global Ratings and its predecessor organizations have been in business for more than 150 years. They are the world’s leading provider of credit ratings. S&P has more than one million credit ratings outstanding on government, corporate, financial sector and structured finance entities and securities. The ratings are essential to driving growth, providing transparency and helping educate market participants so they can make decisions with confidence.