Improving K-12 School Facilities in California

This report examines K-12 school facilities in California and highlights the urgent need for safe environments to protect the health of children and staff. With schools preparing for a new academic year, many are likely to start with distance learning. As schools transition to in-person classes, adherence to physical distancing, cleaning, and hygiene guidelines poses additional operational challenges, compounded by pre-existing facility issues. Key findings from the report reveal that 38 percent of students attend schools failing to meet minimum facility standards, and from 2015-16 to 2018-19, 108 schools were temporarily closed due to poor conditions. The facility needs extend beyond basic functionality, and the pandemic has introduced new complexities. The report underscores the necessity for accurate data on school conditions to facilitate safe reopenings, noting that current data is limited and may not fully reflect schools’ needs. The authors advocate for the state to begin collecting comprehensive data on building capacity, disaster preparedness, accessibility, and energy efficiency.

Authors: Niu Gao, Julien Lafortune