School bonds

The ruling by a state judge comes in a lawsuit that pointed to unequal access by public school districts to local property taxes and bonds.

A flow of public dollars to private schools has raised credit concerns about public schools and spurred litigation in Southwest states.

The Local Government Commission approved issuance of notes that will be taken out gradually in the next few years.

School districts are facing many challenges, including less federal funding, increased competition, declining enrollment and inflating costs.

A 2024 Illinois law loosened school bond restrictions, allowing districts to authorize some debt without an election. That caused a backlash in one district.

New Jersey's Toms River school district was downgraded two notches by S&P after refusing to adopt a budget and discussing bankruptcy.

School districts across Missouri face uncertainty over certification of their bond measures in light of a statute requiring a precise public notice window.

A New Jersey school district will likely avoid filing for bankruptcy after the state passed a budget that raised property taxes. 

As it fights with the state over funding, the board of the Toms River Regional School District refused to raise taxes and threatened a bankruptcy filing.

The Alpine School District deal will finance school buildings in a part of the district that will be split off into a separate entity in July 2027.