School Facilities
Every student deserves to learn in a building that is safe, healthy, and conducive to learning.
The Infrastructure Crisis
America's public school buildings are crumbling. The average school building is over 50 years old, and many schools lack basic necessities like functioning heating and cooling systems, clean drinking water, and adequate ventilation. The estimated cost to bring all schools to good condition exceeds $145 billion.
- •Leaking roofs that damage buildings and create mold hazards
- •Outdated HVAC systems that fail in extreme weather
- •Lead in drinking water and deteriorating lead paint
- •Asbestos insulation requiring costly remediation
- •Inadequate electrical systems for modern technology
- •Accessibility barriers for students with disabilities
Health and Learning
Poor school facilities directly impact student health and learning. Students in schools with inadequate ventilation have higher rates of illness and lower test scores. Extreme temperatures make concentration impossible. And the message sent by crumbling buildings—that students don't matter—undermines motivation and self-worth.
Poor ventilation increases transmission of illness and exposure to pollutants, leading to higher absenteeism and reduced cognitive performance.
Classrooms that are too hot or too cold impair learning. Many schools lack air conditioning despite increasingly frequent heat waves.
Green and Sustainable Schools
Modernizing school facilities provides an opportunity to create green, sustainable buildings that reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and serve as teaching tools for environmental education. Investments in school infrastructure can address climate goals while improving conditions for students.
Federal investment: A major federal program to address the school infrastructure backlog.
Health standards: All schools should meet basic standards for air quality, water safety, and temperature.
Equity focus: Resources should prioritize schools serving students with the greatest needs.
Green building: New construction and renovations should prioritize sustainability.