DeKalb school bonds downgraded

The credit rating agency Standard & Poor's downgraded DeKalb County School District bonds Tuesday, from "AA-" to "A+."

The slight downgrade is for $300 million in bonds issued in 2007. It means the school system went from a "very strong" financial footing to a "strong" one that is "somewhat susceptible" to changing circumstances. S&P indicated, though, that the rating would likely be "stable" for the next two years.

DeKalb Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson said her administration was taking "strong steps" to balance the budget and to replenish financial reserves.