A new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) paints a concerning picture of the condition of K-12 school facilities across the country and the effect deteriorating infrastructure is having on student learning. According to the report, nearly one in five school districts canceled classes during the 2024-25 school year due to facility-related emergencies, affecting an estimated 2 million students and resulting in approximately 3.5 million lost days of learning. Plumbing failures, electrical problems, and extreme classroom temperatures were among the leading causes of closures.
The report also found that school infrastructure issues extend far beyond emergency shutdowns. Nearly half of all districts reported chronic facility problems that frequently disrupted instruction, including roof leaks, inadequate heating and cooling systems, poor air quality, and aging plumbing infrastructure. In some cases, students attended classes in buildings with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, while others learned in schools with recurring mold, water damage, or significant safety concerns. More than half of district leaders reported that their facilities budgets were insufficient to meet current needs, often forcing districts to defer maintenance and postpone critical capital improvements.
Beyond documenting the challenges, the GAO report explores strategies districts and states are using to address facility needs, including preventive maintenance programs, facility condition assessments, long-term planning, and innovative funding approaches. With school infrastructure directly linked to student health, attendance, and academic performance, the findings underscore the importance of sustained investment in educational facilities.
Read the full report here.
