School bonds

Texas bond volume climbed 22.5% to lead the nation in a year when issuance in the eight-state Southwest region increased by only 0.6%.

The number of distressed charter schools rose to a record in the beginning of 2024 as the sector struggles with the end of pandemic assistance and rising costs.

The governor proposed state funding for schools to slow the rise in property taxes. His Idaho Works program would provide $50 million toward $800 million in bonds to pay for water and transportation projects.

Three districts are under Washington's state fiscal oversight and the largest, Marysville School District, took a multi-notch Moody's bond rating downgrade.

Municipal bond issuance in the Lone Star State totaled $59 billion in 2023, spurred by utility rate securitizations and school bonds.

Michigan is paying down debts of six local school districts – two of which have closed or merged with neighbors – including outstanding bond balances.

The $250 million of new money social bonds will finance public school construction projects, with another $190 million refunding debt issued to build schools.

The outlook revision from negative comes as the school system prepares to tap more of its record $2.44 billion of voter-approved bond authorization next year.

Proceeds from the social bond issue will go to support high-performing public charter schools across the United States and promote educational equity.

The constitutional amendment removes a special debt limit placed on small city school districts; now they will be treated the same as other school districts.