25 Facts About School Maintenance & Infrastructure

In the U.S., there are approximately 84,000 public schools and nearly 100,000 school buildings serving a projected 56.8 million students by 2026. These schools are not only centers for education, but they also provide a welcoming space for community gatherings, emergency shelter and extracurricular activities.

Regular maintenance of school infrastructure is crucial for creating a safe and comfortable learning environment. Buildings need to provide natural light, functional heating and air conditioning, clean water and modern technology, all of which directly affect student health and academic performance. 

We gathered 25 school maintenance facts that paint a picture of the current state of school infrastructure, highlighting the ongoing challenges of aging facilities. These insights emphasize how effective facility management and maintenance plans can address these issues, ensuring a safe, healthy and productive learning environment that supports student well-being and success for years to come.

School Maintenance Overview

49 million U.S. public school students are affected by the condition of school facilities.

“The condition of our school facilities plays a critical role in the education of more than 49 million U.S. public school students,” said National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Commissioner Peggy G. Carr. “School facilities provide a setting for learning and affect the health and comfort of the school’s students and staff. As such, these data provide insight into the current condition of our schools as the nation continues down the road to learning recovery.”

38 percent of U.S. public school buildings were constructed before 1970.

More than one-third of instructional buildings that make up the U.S. public school system were built before 1970, and only 47 percent have undergone major renovations since their construction. This aging infrastructure often leads to challenges with systems such as HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, requiring increased maintenance work and investment in modernization.

53 percent of public school districts need to update or replace multiple building systems.

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2021 Infrastructure Report Card, 53 percent of public school districts report the need to replace or upgrade vital building systems, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These updates are essential for maintaining safe, energy-efficient learning environments, yet many districts are struggling to meet these demands due to funding constraints.

40 percent of public schools lack a long-term facility plan.

A long-term facility maintenance program is crucial for managing school buildings over time. A comprehensive plan helps with proper allocation of resources through lifecycle cost analysis, which reviews expenses related to planning, design, operation and decommissioning. Without a school maintenance plan in place, 40 percent of public schools risk facing unplanned disruptions and escalating costs.

16 percent of school districts have not assessed their facilities in the last decade.

The condition of school facilities directly impacts student learning. Poor ventilation, for example, can trigger asthma and fatigue, hindering concentration and performance. And yet, 16 percent of school districts haven’t assessed their facilities in the past decade, citing reasons like limited funding or reliance on informal inspections.

Working in School Maintenance

There are 331,307 maintenance managers in the U.S.

There are currently 331,307 maintenance managers employed across the United States, along with 61,748 active maintenance manager job openings. 

The demand for maintenance managers is expected to grow by 7 percent from 2018 to 2028.

Additionally, demand is expected to increase over the next few years. As the demand for qualified maintenance managers continues to rise, these positions remain essential for the effective functioning of educational institutions.

Universities hire one maintenance worker per 25,000 to 50,000 square feet of building space.

In institutions with vast campuses and many buildings, the number of maintenance staff can be substantial. According to the Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA), large universities often have one maintenance worker per 25,000 to 50,000 square feet of building space, depending on the specific needs of the institution.

Top employers of maintenance staff include the University of Michigan, UCLA and Ohio State.

Major universities like the University of Michigan employ large numbers of maintenance workers to maintain their sprawling campuses. With over 500 buildings spread across 3,200 acres, maintaining its facilities requires staffing the maintenance department with numerous on-site team members. Other large universities such as Ohio State University, the University of Texas at Austin and UCLA also have expansive campuses that necessitate significant maintenance staff. 

The IoT facility management market’s $47 billion growth is being fueled by the rise of smart technologies in schools.

The IoT (Internet of Things) facility management market is projected to grow by $47 billion by 2026, driven by the increasing adoption of smart technologies in schools. By leveraging IoT, school maintenance teams can optimize energy use, reduce operational costs and make sure that buildings are running efficiently, all while improving the overall learning environment for students.

Industry Pain Points

The average public school is 49 years old. 

Across the U.S., the average age of public schools is 49 years. However, detailed data on their condition is scarce. Many schools lack the resources to properly track the condition of their buildings, resulting in missed opportunities to address critical building maintenance needs. This lack of data becomes even more pronounced as schools face increasing challenges from climate change and aging infrastructure.

Only 10 percent of total school spending is directed to facilities maintenance. 

Only 10 percent of total school spending in the 2021-22 school year was allocated to facility expenses, a percentage that has remained low for decades. A majority of these funds are directed toward new construction, leaving little for the routine maintenance activities necessary for existing buildings. 

Schools are facing an annual infrastructure funding gap of $85 billion.

Schools are facing an annual infrastructure funding gap of $85 billion, according to industry standards for both capital investment and maintenance. This gap affects the ability of school districts to replace or upgrade essential building systems like HVAC and plumbing. In fact, a 2020 U.S. Government Accountability Office report found that 50 percent of districts needed to replace or update multiple essential systems to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.

School HVAC systems produce the same amount of carbon emissions as 5 million cars.

School HVAC systems contribute the same amount of carbon emissions as 5 million gas-fueled cars every year. With growing pressure to reduce the environmental impact of schools, facilities managers are tasked with adopting more sustainable solutions. These include installing smart thermostats, energy-efficient lighting and power management software to optimize energy usage and minimize waste. Transitioning to greener systems and renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, is crucial to reducing carbon footprints and preparing for stricter regulatory requirements.

Nearly one-third of public schools use one or more non-permanent buildings to combat overcrowding.

Non-permanent (portable) classrooms often serve as quick solutions for managing overcrowded classrooms. In fact, 31 percent of public schools use one or more non-permanent (portable) classrooms. While these modular structures provide a cost-effective and quick solution, studies have raised concerns regarding indoor air quality, temperature control, noise levels and water leaks. The presence of portable classrooms has also been linked to congestion in common spaces, lower academic achievement and higher absenteeism rates among students.

Techʼs Influence on School Maintenance

By improving energy management, schools can reduce energy costs by up to 20 percent.

Integrating IoT sensors and AI into facility management tasks will allow schools to analyze building data, optimize operations and automate preventive maintenance tasks. For example, temperature sensors can monitor air quality, humidity and temperature, adjusting HVAC systems to maintain optimal conditions. This not only improves air quality, but it also helps reduce energy costs and lowers the carbon footprint.

A computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) like Coast enhances this process by centralizing temperature data from multiple sensors, offering real-time monitoring, instant alerts and historical data analysis. This enables maintenance teams to track trends and schedule preventive maintenance based on sensor readings, streamlining operations and saving energy.

Schools that implement predictive maintenance save up to 40 percent on maintenance costs, significantly reducing the risk of unexpected repairs and minimizing downtime.

Through a combination of sensors, IoT, machine learning algorithms, data analytics and modeling, predictive maintenance can identify early warning signs of equipment breakdowns. This approach allows you to schedule maintenance only when it’s truly needed, rather than relying on guesswork. When used consistently and effectively, predictive maintenance helps avoid costly repairs, reduces unplanned downtime and can save schools thousands of dollars over time.

45 percent of U.S. public schools use technology to monitor and assess the condition of their facilities.

According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, 45 percent of U.S. public schools reported using technology like data analytics to monitor and assess the condition of their facilities, helping inform decisions about repairs, upgrades and capital planning.

54 percent of school districts use advanced data collection systems for better resource distribution.

By collecting data that tracks the location, maintenance and use of resources across a district, facilities managers can make sure that every school building receives equal attention. If any building is neglected, whether it’s equipment nearing the end of its lifespan or a maintenance backlog, data helps pinpoint the issue. With comprehensive data and improved visibility, school administrators can track resources in real time, ensuring they’re distributed equally. 

59 percent of facilities already use CMMS software to manage their maintenance and repair operations.

A 2022 Plant Engineering survey shows that organizations are increasingly integrating multiple maintenance management software solutions into their facilities. 

A maintenance software can bring significant benefits to schools and universities, including a 10 to 40 percent reduction in maintenance costs.

Other key benefits of school maintenance software include:

• Enhanced safety for students, staff and visitors.
• Greater productivity and efficiency through work order time tracking.
• Better management of maintenance requests and work orders.
• Mobile maintenance management, allowing for greater flexibility and responsiveness.

Future of School Maintenance

The Department of Education dedicates $37 million to improve school facilities and environments.

On Nov. 17, 2023, the U.S. Department of Education awarded $37 million in new funds over the next five years for the first-ever Supporting America’s School Infrastructure (SASI) program to eight state entities. The funds will go towards modernizing infrastructure, enhancing learning environments and increasing opportunities for academic success.

69 percent of maintenance professionals are aged 50 or older.

A survey by Plant Engineering revealed that the average maintenance worker is 54 years old and works 46 hours per week. This aging workforce presents a challenge for the school maintenance sector, as many experienced professionals are nearing retirement. Schools will need to invest in maintenance training and recruitment efforts focused on attracting younger workers with the technical expertise needed to manage modern, tech-driven maintenance systems.

Environmental initiatives may save school districts $4.7 million per year.

In the coming years, sustainability will be a priority for schools, with initiatives like renewable energy, green cleaning, recycling and indoor air quality improvements to reduce environmental impact and protect student health. For example, the Tucson Unified School District governing board passed a Climate Action Resolution to set a net zero emissions target for 2040. The plan strives to address the climate crisis and implement clean energy solutions throughout its schools. 

Employment of maintenance workers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of 157,200 openings for general repair and maintenance workers are projected each year over the next decade. Many of these openings will arise from the need to replace workers who transition to different occupations or retire.

School Infrastructure Challenges, Opportunities & Solutions

With aging facilities, a growing demand for skilled labor and the integration of technology, schools need to confront challenges head-on, prioritizing proactive maintenance and recruitment. Investing in modern infrastructure and training the next generation of technicians will keep school environments safe, efficient and conducive to student success for years to come.