Hidden Within the Structure: How Poor School Buildings Further Contribute to Concentrated Debt

This article addresses disparities in school building conditions and repair within the state of Maryland, drawing particular attention to how the state maintenance funding formula systematically disadvantages the Baltimore school system, the state's system with the highest proportion of African American learners. We highlight the profound impacts of school infrastructure on students’ educational experiences and outcomes, particularly attendance and test scores. We recommend policymakers focus on school facilities to enhance student success and to address an accumulating concentrated debt of the larger society to Black and Hispanic students’ educations.