Madison Reporter

The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District (MCPASD) has been assigned an Aa1 credit rating by Moody’s Investors Service, placing it among the highest-rated school districts in Wisconsin for fiscal responsibility. The rating covers all current bonds issued by the district for school improvements.

Moody’s pointed to MCPASD’s strong available fund balance ratio and a robust economic base as key factors in its decision. The agency expects the district’s reserves to remain above 30% of revenues, with a projected surplus for fiscal year 2025 and a balanced budget planned for fiscal year 2026. Moody’s also noted that MCPASD’s net cash ratio has increased to about 25%, and the district has not needed to borrow for cash flow purposes since fiscal year 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.”

With an Aa1 rating, the district can access lower interest rates when borrowing money for school improvements, which reduces overall borrowing costs. This allows more taxpayer funds to be directed toward classrooms, teacher support, technology, and student programs rather than interest payments. The strong credit rating also signals a stable local economy, reflecting both district management and community involvement.

“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.”