Cost to bring schools up to standards found to be over $20 billion

A new study shows it would take $22.8 billion to bring all public schools in Michigan in line with common standards of health, safety, and wellness. The study was conducted from May 2023 through December 2024 by the School Finance Research Foundation and released on Thursday.

The estimate would bring Michigan public school buildings to common standards through the year 2033. “This amount represents a figure above and beyond what local school districts are currently spending on infrastructure projects themselves through local bonds and millages,” the report said. By comparison, a 2022 facility assessment study in California revealed a significant funding gap of at least $7.



4 billion annually for capital needs and maintenance across the state’s 11,300 public schools. “Students deserve to learn in schools that ensure basic health and wellness standards are met,” Oakland ISD Superintendent Ken Gutman said during a virtual press conference after the study was released. “The foundation’s facility assessment tells us we are a long way from school meeting those basic standards.

” Charter schools were not a part of the study and costs for public school athletic facilities, transportation, administration and play grounds were not included. The study also did not cover buildings solely dedicated to preschool and adult education..