WHITTIER — Río Hondo Credit Rating earned a major financial milestone after Moody’s Ratings upgraded the Río Hondo Community College District’s issuer rating to Aa1, one of the highest credit ratings available. The recognition comes as the district prepares to launch projects funded through the $442 million Measure RH facilities bond approved by voters in November 2024.
The Aa1 rating is the second-highest designation issued by Moody’s and reflects continued enrollment growth, strong financial reserves, stable operations and long-term fiscal management. The higher rating is expected to reduce borrowing costs when the district issues bonds, allowing more Measure RH funding to support campus improvements instead of interest payments.
Río Hondo College officials said the recognition validates years of responsible financial planning while positioning the district to maximize taxpayer dollars.
Río Hondo Credit Rating Supports Future Investments
Superintendent/President Dr. Don Moya-Miller said the upgrade reflects both sound fiscal management and the confidence students and the community continue to place in the college.
“This upgrade reflects more than strong financial stewardship; it recognizes the confidence students and our community continue to place in the District,” Moya-Miller said in a statement. “Continued enrollment growth, responsible fiscal management and strategic planning have positioned us to invest in facilities that enhance the student experience while remaining responsible stewards of public resources.”
Board of Trustees President Rosaelva Lomeli said voters placed significant trust in the district when they approved Measure RH.
“The voters entrusted the District with an important responsibility when they approved Measure RH,” Lomeli said. “This recognition from Moody’s demonstrates our commitment to honoring that trust through responsible financial management, transparency and investments that will strengthen educational opportunities for generations to come.”
Measure RH will fund modern classrooms, upgraded science laboratories, expanded workforce education facilities, technology improvements, accessibility upgrades and enhanced campus safety. Many campus buildings have served students for decades and are scheduled for modernization under the bond program.
The district expects the improvements to benefit students pursuing university transfer, career technical education and workforce training programs.
Higher Rating Benefits Local Taxpayers
Moody’s also cited continued enrollment growth as a factor supporting the higher rating. The recognition comes as many California community colleges continue rebuilding enrollment following declines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Río Hondo College serves communities throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including El Monte, South El Monte, Baldwin Park, Rosemead, Irwindale and neighboring cities. Thousands of local students attend the college each year for associate degrees, university transfer preparation, workforce certificates and bachelor’s degree programs in Electronic Digital Instrument Technology and Automotive Technology.
For taxpayers, the higher rating represents independent confirmation of the district’s financial management. Lower financing costs could allow more Measure RH dollars to be invested directly into facilities that support student learning and workforce development for years to come. More information about the college is available at https://www.riohondo.edu. Information about Moody’s credit ratings is available at https://ratings.moodys.com.
