Summary: Schools in unsatisfactory condition can be found in every part of the country. However, a GAO survey of schools nationwide found that schools needing relatively greater repairs were those in inner cities, schools in the West, schools with 50.5 percent or more minority students, and schools with 70 percent or more poor students. More than 14 million children are being taught in school buildings needing significant repairs to restore them to good overall condition. At the same time, GAO found that a new school in excellent shape, conforming to all federal, state, and local mandates, might be located only a few blocks from an operating but deteriorated school building. GAO found the greatest variations at the state level. For example, 62 percent of schools in Georgia compared with 97 percent of schools in Delaware needed repairs to restore them to good overall condition. Virtually all communities, even some of the wealthiest, are wondering how to balance school infrastructure needs with other community priorities.
