Press Release|Public Finance
KBRA Assigns AAA Rating, Stable Outlook to Los Angeles Unified School District General Obligation Bonds, Series QRR (2026) and 2026 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series A
14 Apr 2026 | New York
KBRA assigns a long-term rating of AAA to the Los Angeles Unified School District (County of Los Angeles, CA) General Obligation Bonds, Series QRR (2026) (Dedicated Unlimited Ad Valorem Property Tax Bonds), and 2026 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series A (Dedicated Unlimited Ad Valorem Property Tax Bonds).
Concurrently, KBRA affirms the long-term rating of AAA on the District's outstanding General Obligation Bonds. The Outlook is Stable.
Key Credit Considerations
The rating was assigned because of the following key credit considerations:
Credit Positives
- A broad, diverse tax base with historically favorable trends in wealth, commercial activity, and property values provides a very strong source of GO debt repayment.
- Per consultation with external counsel, KBRA considers the bondholder protections afforded by the California constitution and state law to be robust.
- The statutory framework for fiscal monitoring and reporting outlined in AB 1200 is a key credit strength for California school districts.
Credit Challenges
- The District's financial operations are increasingly challenged, as evidenced by continued deficit spending and projections of significantly reduced fund balance through FY 2028.
Rating Sensitivities
For Upgrade
- Not applicable at AAA rating level
For Downgrade
- Significant tax base decline necessitating a substantial increase in the tax rate required for debt service.
- Deterioration in the District’s underlying credit profile to a level at which the structural protections no longer provide support consistent with the current rating.
- Reduction in the General Fund balance below the 5% of expenditures policy threshold could pressure the rating.
To access ratings and relevant documents, click here.