The unenhanced 'A+' rating on Temple Independent School District, Texas' bonds reflects a moderately expanding economic base, good financial performance and reserves, and high debt. Located in Bell County and about 35 miles south of Waco, the district is nearly coterminous with the city of Temple. Leading employers and taxpayers include Ralph Wilson Plastics Co., Tenneco Plastics Inc., Scott and White Memorial Hospital, and distribution centers operated by McLane Southwest, Inc. and WalMart Inc. Temple also benefits indirectly from the presence of Fort Hood, the largest military base in the U.S., 25 miles to the west in Killeen. The unemployment rate for the city of Temple in April 1997 was 3.6%, slightly above the 3.4% from the prior year. Following
