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WASHINGTON, DC -- A report released this morning on the worsening condition of many of America’s public schools lends new support to calls for Congress to make school construction a higher priority, U.S. Reps. Ben Chandler (D-KY), George Miller (D-CA), and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) said today.
Earlier this year, the lawmakers introduced legislation to provide matching grants and low-cost loans over the next five years to help schools make much-needed repairs and renovations and build new facilities. They said that today’s report, from the American Federation of Teachers, shows once again why such legislation is needed.
The AFT based its report on a survey of more than 1,000 public school employees who described problems they had identified in their own schools, such as mold, infestation, overcrowding, crumbling walls, and extreme temperatures. In many cases, the problems posed a threat to the health of school children and employees.
“I am greatly concerned that many of our schools in Kentucky and across the nation are in a state of disrepair. Studies have proven that student performance is directly related to their learning environment. As our school buildings continue to age not only does student achievement suffer, but the cost of fixing our schools continues to increase exponentially. This bill is a positive first step toward helping our nation’s children by improving our nation’s schools,” said Chandler, who introduced the 21st Century High-Performing Public School Facilities Act of 2006 (HR 5928) on July 27, 2006.
“School buildings should be safe and healthy places where children are excited to go and learn,” said Miller, the senior Democrat on the House Education Committee and a cosponsor of Chandler’s bill. “The physical condition of a school speaks directly to how much we value the children learning inside of it. Sadly, in too many cases, school buildings are literally crumbling. That has got to change.”
“A modern and fully equipped school is critical to teachers’ ability to teach and children’s ability to learn,” said Woolsey, the senior Democrat on the House Subcommittee on Education Reform. "There is no excuse in the wealthiest country in the world for any child to have to attend a school that's in as terrible shape as those described in this report. With the Democrats in control we will work to make education a priority again so that every child can learn in a safe and comfortable environment."
For more information on the 21st Century High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, click here.
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