The 'AAA' rating on Temple Independent School District, Texas' bonds reflects the guarantee of the Texas Permanent School Fund. Credit factors supporting the unenhanced 'A+' rating include: * A moderately expanding economic base, * Good financial performance and reserves, and * High debt burden. 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., Scott&White Memorial Hospital, distribution centers operated by McLane Southwest Inc., and Wal-Mart Inc. Temple also benefits indirectly from the presence of Fort Hood, the largest military base in the nation, located 25 miles to the west in Killeen. The school district's assessed value declined
