Adequate & Equitable U.S. PK-12 Infrastructure: Priority Actions for Systemic Reform

This report helps users understand the underlying causes of the U.S. school infrastructure crisis and provides a roadmap for systemic reform. It was developed through a national expert engagement process that included 85 leaders from 33 states and the District of Columbia who represented a diverse group of nonprofit advocacy leaders, local and state education officials, researchers, building industry professionals, labor advocates, and finance experts. The resource identifies six essential elements for modern school facilities systems: governance and decision-making, funding, management, planning, data and information, and accountability.

Key takeaways include 55 specific priority actions designed to achieve a paradigm shift in facility stewardship. Findings highlight an annual $46 billion gap in necessary facility spending and document structural patterns of underinvestment that disproportionately affect low-wealth districts. The report emphasizes that school facilities impact student health, academic achievement, and community economic development.

Guidance is provided across several domains, such as establishing state facilities offices, creating dedicated maintenance funds, and requiring five-year master plans. It also asserts that federal funding is necessary to ensure all schools are high-quality, healthy places for educators, families, and youth. Ultimately, the report provides actionable steps for stakeholders to ensure school buildings are healthy, safe, and educationally appropriate regardless of community wealth.