Michigan School Infrastructure Needs $23B Fix – Urgent Study Finds

A report for Michigan’s State Board of Education estimates $23 billion is needed to repair K-12 school facilities, focusing on health, safety, and air quality. Urgent repairs of $5.3 billion are required soon, with $17.4 billion needed later.

Study reveals billions in critical repairs are required to ensure health, safety, and learning in Michigan’s aging school facilities, highlighting the urgent need for investment in Michigan school infrastructure.

$23 Billion School Facilities Report Highlights Urgent Infrastructure Needs

A sweeping new report presented to the Michigan State Board of Education estimates that nearly $23 billion will be needed over the next decade to bring the state’s public K-12 school buildings up to basic health, safety, and functionality standards. The study, commissioned through Section 11y of the State School Aid Act and spearheaded by the School Finance Research Foundation, delivers the most comprehensive assessment of Michigan’s school infrastructure to date, underscoring the critical need for improvements in Michigan school infrastructure.

The findings paint a sobering picture: of the 243 million square feet of instructional space examined, an estimated $5.3 billion in repairs are critical within the next one to three years, with another $17.4 billion required in the following six years.

Health, Safety, and Air Quality Deficiencies Top the List

The 336-page report, prepared by Plante Moran Realpoint in collaboration with Barton Malow Builders, focuses exclusively on the essential physical conditions of instructional buildings. It examines HVAC systems, plumbing, roofing, fire suppression, and electrical infrastructure—elements directly tied to the health and safety of students and staff.

“This study only looked at health, safety, and wellness components of K-12 instructional school buildings,” emphasized Steven Ezikian, executive director of the School Finance Research Foundation. It does not include technology, administrative buildings, athletic facilities, or early childhood centers.

In an era where indoor air quality is directly linked to learning outcomes and absenteeism, the findings are especially relevant. State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice underscored the link between the physical environment and educational success, stating: “Strong learning environments include not just great staff, top-notch instructional materials, and modern technology but also buildings that are in good repair, with frequent air exchange and a reasonable temperature throughout the year.”

Study Backed by Broad Participation, Covers 93% of Schools

The report’s findings stem from data collected from 93% of Michigan’s traditional public schools, making it highly representative of statewide needs. The 18-month study covered everything from mechanical systems to fire code compliance.

Dr. Daveda Colbert, superintendent of Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency, framed the study as both a call to action and a foundational data set for local and state decision-makers. “We look forward to working with our state lawmakers to ensure that schools have the funding they need to modernize and maintain their buildings,” she said.

Michigan Lawmakers Face Decision on Funding a Crumbling System

Though funding for education has improved, Dr. Rice reminded the board that current levels still fall short of what’s needed—referencing the 2018 School Finance Research Collaborative study, which concluded that Michigan schools are underfunded by billions.

Dr. Rice called for a statewide referendum to consider comprehensive funding solutions. Such an initiative would enable voters to directly address Michigan’s school infrastructure challenges, as well as support increased staffing in early elementary grades and mental health services.

With federal COVID-19 relief funds drying up and long-deferred maintenance reaching crisis points, Michigan’s education leaders face a pivotal moment. Will the state make the necessary investments to ensure that students learn in safe, modern, and healthy environments?

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