State of Disrepair

Inside Idaho’s Crumbling Schools

Idaho spends less, per student, on schools than any other state. Restrictive policies created a funding crisis that’s left rural schools with collapsing roofs, deteriorating foundations and freezing classrooms.

Falling Apart

Students and educators in Idaho show us what it’s like when a state fails to fund school repairs.

by Asia Fields, ProPublica, and Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, illustrations by Pia Guerra for ProPublica, design by Anna Donlan, ProPublica

Dec. 15, 2023, 5:00 am EST
Collapsing Roofs, Broken Toilets, Flooded Classrooms: Inside the Worst-Funded Schools in the Nation

Idaho spends less on schools per student than any other state. Kids are sweating, freezing and struggling to learn.

by Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, photography by Sarah A. Miller, Idaho Statesman

Apr. 13, 2023, 5:00 am EDT

Impact of Our Reporting

After Decades, Voters Finally OK Replacement for Crumbling Idaho School

by Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman

May 24, 2024, 7:00 am EDT

Idaho Legislature Approves $2 Billion for Schools to Repair and Replace Aging Buildings

by Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman

March 22, 2024, 6:00 am EDT

Idaho Legislature Takes Up Bill to Help School Districts Repair and Replace Buildings

by Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman

February 9, 2024, 1:25 pm EST

Idaho Governor Proposes $2 Billion in Funding for School Buildings Over Next 10 Years

by Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman

January 9, 2024, 11:40 am EST

Idaho Lawmakers Are Discussing a Proposal That Would Make It Easier to Repair Schools

by Becca Savransky and Bryan Clark, Idaho Statesman

December 14, 2023, 9:00 am EST

16 stories published since 2023

Disabled Idaho Students Lack Access to Playgrounds and Lunchrooms. Historic $2 Billion Funding Will Do Little to Help.

by Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman

October 15, 2025, 6:00 am EDT
Idaho Passed $2 Billion in Funding for School Building Repairs. It’s Not Nearly Enough.

by Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman

February 11, 2025, 6:00 am EST
We Enlisted a Community to Help Us Report on One State’s Crumbling Schools. Here’s How You Can Do the Same.

by Asia Fields, ProPublica, with Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman

October 1, 2024, 5:00 am EDT
The Influential Conservative Group Making it Harder for Idaho Districts to Fix Their Schools

by Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman

April 9, 2024, 6:00 am EDT
Idaho Resolution Would Aim to Lower Voting Threshold to Pass School Bonds

by Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, and Asia Fields, ProPublica

February 22, 2024, 1:10 pm EST
Idaho Hasn’t Assessed School Buildings for 30 Years. Students and Educators Helped Us Do It Ourselves.

by Asia Fields, ProPublica, and Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman

December 15, 2023, 5:05 am EST
Idaho creó un fondo de $25 millones para reparar escuelas en mal estado. ¿Por qué nadie lo utiliza?

por Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, fotografía por Sarah A. Miller, Idaho Statesman

September 25, 2023, 6:00 am EDT
Idaho Created a $25 Million Fund to Fix Unsafe Schools. Why Is Nobody Using It?

by Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, photography by Sarah A. Miller, Idaho Statesman

September 6, 2023, 6:00 am EDT
Techos colapsados, baños sin servicio, salones inundados: dentro de las escuelas peor financiadas del país

por Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, fotografía por Sarah A. Miller, Idaho Statesman

April 24, 2023, 5:00 am EDT
Ayúdenos a informar sobre las deterioradas escuelas públicas de Idaho

por Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, y Asia Fields, ProPublica

April 14, 2023, 6:00 am EDT
Idaho: Help Us Show Readers and Officials Issues With Your School Building

by Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, and Asia Fields, ProPublica

April 13, 2023, 5:05 am EDT

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State of Disrepair

Falling Apart

Collapsing Roofs, Broken Toilets, Flooded Classrooms: Inside the Worst-Funded Schools in the Nation

Impact of Our Reporting

After Decades, Voters Finally OK Replacement for Crumbling Idaho School

Idaho Legislature Approves $2 Billion for Schools to Repair and Replace Aging Buildings

Idaho Legislature Takes Up Bill to Help School Districts Repair and Replace Buildings

Idaho Governor Proposes $2 Billion in Funding for School Buildings Over Next 10 Years

Idaho Lawmakers Are Discussing a Proposal That Would Make It Easier to Repair Schools

Disabled Idaho Students Lack Access to Playgrounds and Lunchrooms. Historic $2 Billion Funding Will Do Little to Help.

Idaho Passed $2 Billion in Funding for School Building Repairs. It’s Not Nearly Enough.

We Enlisted a Community to Help Us Report on One State’s Crumbling Schools. Here’s How You Can Do the Same.

The Influential Conservative Group Making it Harder for Idaho Districts to Fix Their Schools

Idaho Resolution Would Aim to Lower Voting Threshold to Pass School Bonds

Idaho Hasn’t Assessed School Buildings for 30 Years. Students and Educators Helped Us Do It Ourselves.

Idaho creó un fondo de $25 millones para reparar escuelas en mal estado. ¿Por qué nadie lo utiliza?

Idaho Created a $25 Million Fund to Fix Unsafe Schools. Why Is Nobody Using It?

Techos colapsados, baños sin servicio, salones inundados: dentro de las escuelas peor financiadas del país

Ayúdenos a informar sobre las deterioradas escuelas públicas de Idaho

Idaho: Help Us Show Readers and Officials Issues With Your School Building

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