VI. SCHOOLS FOR HEALTH

Evidence for Action

supporting the need for action. There is overwhelming evidence for researchers, legislators, designers, parents, teachers, school districts, and community members to make compelling, fact-based arguments for elevating the role of the school building in the national conversation on education.

When We Act It Makes a Difference

If we act, there is reason to be optimistic. School districts that have improved school infrastructure have illustrate. A study of 33 school districts in Florida found that students’ mean passing percentages improved on state mathematics and reading tests after transitioning from old to new, code-compliant school buildings (Lumpkin, 2014). When Ohio schools invested $10 billion from a statewide capital subsidy for two years after construction and occupancy of the new and renovated buildings (Conlin and Thompson, 2015). In New Haven, Connecticut, a $1.4 billion investment in a poor urban school district transformed its 50-year-old buildings through targeted improvements to HVAC systems and the inclusion of natural lighting. Subsequently, improvements observed in students’ reading scores were comparable to the through increased funding and investment.

The Evidence is Unambiguous

an investment in our collective future. It is time for action. It is time for Schools for Health.