ORANGE, Calif. | August 24, 2026 — Orange Unified School District received positive news about its finances. A company called Fitch Ratings, which reviews how well school districts manage money, gave Orange Unified two strong grades:

• AA+ for how well the District manages its overall finances
• AAA, the highest possible grade, for how well the District pays back money borrowed for building and improving schools

Both grades came with a stable outlook, meaning Fitch expects the District to continue doing well and doesn't anticipate any changes to these ratings in the near future.

Why This Matters

When a school district needs money to build or improve schools, it can borrow that money, similar to how a family might take out a loan, and promise to pay it back over time. A strong rating like this tells the community that Orange Unified has a solid track record of managing its money responsibly and can be trusted to pay back what it borrows.

"Maintaining an AA+ credit rating and AAA rating on our general obligation bonds reflects the District's continued commitment to responsible financial stewardship," said Superintendent Rachel Monárrez, PhD. "Every dollar entrusted to Orange Unified represents an investment in our scholars and our schools. Strong financial practices allow us to protect that investment while continuing to prioritize excellence in the classroom. This is what it means to value every dollar, and to deliver excellence for every scholar."

Board President Stephen Glass, EdD, echoed that sentiment. "Responsible stewardship is foundational to our ability to provide a high-quality education for every scholar. This rating affirms the importance of thoughtful, disciplined financial decisions that keep our schools and students at the center of our work."

This strong financial standing reflects Orange Unified's ongoing commitment to making sure resources go toward classrooms and student needs, while continuing to manage money responsibly for the future.