For families across the United States, public school buildings serve as essential facilities for learning, athletics, meals, community gatherings, and emergency response—yet they suffer from decades of underinvestment, as do school grounds and student transportation. This pattern of underinvestment strains school budgets, impairs student health and academic performance, and puts community safety at risk. While recent federal and state investments have begun to address the challenges facing our K–12 public education infrastructure, much more is required. This expert note presents evidence and describes actions that Congress and governors can take to promote infrastructure investments that improve the health and well-being of students and generate important cost savings for communities.

Summary

Public school facilities across the country suffer the effects of persistent underfunding, with significant gaps between actual school district spending on facilities maintenance, operations and capital improvements and the full investments needed for healthy and safe environments. The impacts are tangible: poor ventilation and indoor air quality at schools are related to a range of health conditions, including asthma, and are associated with negative impacts on student attendance and academic performance. This pattern of underinvestment extends beyond the walls of school buildings to nearby grounds and student transportation, with communities of color and low-income communities disproportionately impacted.

Recent investments, including federal and state funding programs, tax credits, and financing mechanisms have begun to address these challenges facing our K-12 public school infrastructure, however, greater and sustained action is needed to fully turn the tide on decades of deferred maintenance.

Members of Congress and governors have central roles to play in advancing investments in K-12 infrastructure and the health and well-being of our students, while driving cost savings for school districts and building resiliency. They should consider actions to promote clean energy and energy efficiency, green and resilient school grounds, electric school buses and active mobility such as walking and cycling. In this note we outline opportunities for these leaders to protect and maximize recent investments and unlock new opportunities to modernize school infrastructure, transportation and grounds – while helping schools realize their potential as hubs for community resilience.

Members of Congress can:

  • Maintain support for recent energy tax credits and the elective pay provision
  • Ensure Clean School Bus Program, Safe Streets and Roads for All, and USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry funds are deployed

Governors can:

  • Develop funding programs in support of school building efficiency, solar energy, resilient and green school yards, vehicle electrification and infrastructure that promotes walking and biking to school
  • Pursue supportive policies such as zero emission vehicle transition requirements for student transportation, technical assistance, and allowing power purchase agreements within the state
  • Prioritize underserved communities who are most affected by aging and unhealthy infrastructure for funding and other support
  • Encourage state agencies to engage state infrastructure banks to connect districts to financial solutions

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