When financing a project through bond issuance, one of the most important early steps is developing the professional team. From developing the scope of the project, to undertaking the legal requirements, to selling the bonds and collecting the proceeds, each complex, important step in the process requires a coordinated team effort. 

Bonds 101: Part 2 – developing the working group

Bonds 101: Part 2 – Developing the working group

This article is part of a series to provide an overview of the bond issuance process.

Lindsay Simonetto is a director and municipal advisor with Baker Tilly’s public sector practice. Much of Lindsay’s focus is spent helping schools address financial and capital needs with long-term financial planning and through the issuance of municipal bonds.

Registered municipal advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission

Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, LLC is a registered municipal advisor and controlled subsidiary of Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LLP, a tax and advisory firm. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, trading as Baker Tilly, is a member of the global network of Baker Tilly International Ltd., the members of which are separate and independent legal entities.

Lindsay Simonetto is a director and municipal advisor with Baker Tilly’s public sector practice.

Has assisted in more than $1.3 billion of municipal bond transactions

Serves as staff development leader for school and library segment group

Holds Series 50 and is registered with the SEC as a Municipal Advisor

Provides bond issuance assistance to various units of government ranging from schools to counties and hospitals

Develops financial feasibilities and financing options for capital projects

Presents at public meetings to explain bond financings

Helps bring financings to market and provides post-issuance services

Assists with planning for capital and operating referenda

Comprehensive financial planning for schools, counties, cities and towns

Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents

Indiana Association of School Business Officials

National Association of Municipal Advisors

Speaking at conferences and universities on municipal bond issuance and planning

Bond ratings play a crucial role in the marketability of bonds, often making them more attractive to investors and resulting in lower interest rates paid by issuers. Join us for an insightful webinar hosted by Jay Staley and Matt Bubness, featuring special guests Lindsay Simonetto and Rachael Westervelt. This webinar is designed to guide you through the intricacies of the bond rating process. You’ll learn about the criteria used by rating agencies to evaluate K-12 school districts, how to effectively prepare for a rating call and factors to consider in choosing a bond rating agency. Additionally, we will discuss ways to enhance your bond rating, including the development of reserve and debt policies. You’ll leave with practical strategies to optimize your school’s credit rating.  Learning objectives Gain an understanding of the bond rating process, including the criteria used by rating agencies to evaluate bond ratings.  Develop the skills and knowledge needed to effectively prepare for a rating call.  Learn effective strategies to enhance your bond rating, including development of reserve and debt policies.  Hosts Jay Staley, Ed.D., Director Matt Bubness, Director Presenters Lindsay Simonetto, Director Rachael Westervelt, Manager Who should attend Directors of finance, chief financial officers (CFOs), business managers, superintendents 

Lindsay Simonetto

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Indianapolis, IN

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Bonds 101: Part 2 – developing the working group

Bonds 101, part 1

Lindsay's upcoming events

Webinar

Schools finance power hour: Navigating the bond rating process