Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has assigned its 'AA+' enhanced long-term rating and 'A+' school issuer credit rating (ICR) to Hickory County R-I School District (Skyline), Mo.'s series 2012 general obligation (GO) refunding bonds. At the same time, we affirmed our 'AA+' enhanced rating and 'A+' school ICR on the district's parity GO debt. The 'AA+' enhanced rating reflects the district's eligibility for, and participation in, the Missouri Direct Deposit of State Aid program. The 'A+' school ICR reflects the district's own credit quality, including our view of its: Stable, agriculture-oriented local economy with limited access to the larger Springfield, Mo. economic base; Strong financial reserves, albeit on a cash basis of accounting; and Low overall debt burden with no
