Cracks in the Foundation: The Association of Physical Condition of School Facilities With Absenteeism and Test Scores in Maryland

This study uses a statewide cross-sectional analysis of 1,266 Maryland public school facilities to determine the relationship between physical building conditions and student success. Using a measurement called the current Maryland Condition Index (cMDCI), researchers evaluated how infrastructure issues—such as failing HVAC systems, leaking roofs, and inadequate ventilation—correlate with chronic absenteeism and standardized test performance.

The study identifies a threshold effect, in which students in schools with building conditions in the 10th decile (the worst 10%) experienced chronic absenteeism rates 6.0% higher than those in the other 90% of facilities. Furthermore, these poor conditions are significantly associated with lower mean SAT and ACT scores, as well as lower proficiency rates in Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) English Language Arts and Math.

For state and local education staff, the resource highlights that these negative educational outcomes are concentrated in communities with high socioeconomic deprivation, as measured by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI). The findings reveal that Black and Hispanic students are disproportionately more likely to attend schools in the worst physical condition. The authors conclude that major capital investments in school infrastructure are necessary in under-resourced areas to address systemic discrimination and help close racial and socioeconomic achievement gaps.