We have been studying issues related to facilities in hopes of giving policymakers a more nuanced understanding of the disparities related to facilities and the factors that contribute to them. In a forthcoming study, we share evidence from New York state (setting aside New York City, which has distinct systems that are not directly comparable to the rest of the state).
Finally, infrastructure planning should prioritize improvements most likely to benefit students. Research points particularly to environmental conditions—such as ventilation, air quality, and temperature—as affecting students’ engagement and learning. This research shows that school facility investments are not merely maintenance projects. They are long-term investments in student growth.