As families consider relocating, the quality of local public schools often becomes a pivotal factor. The allure of modern athletic facilities, spacious classrooms, and cutting-edge technology in science and computer labs can be irresistible for parents who equate these attributes with a superior education. But, as a recent study from Yale Insights explores, does the financial investment in school infrastructure genuinely enhance educational outcomes?
Barbara Biasi, an Assistant Professor of Economics at Yale SOM, alongside her colleagues Julien Lafortune and David Schönholzer, delved into this question. Their research, which spans data from across the United States, seeks to unravel the complex relationship between capital spending on schools and its impact on educational quality and real estate prices. For those interested in a deeper dive, the full article can be found here.
The study’s findings indicate that while capital projects generally increase both test scores and property values, the benefits are predominantly seen in districts with disadvantaged students. Interestingly, the type of capital project plays a crucial role in determining its impact. Projects focused on infrastructure improvements, such as HVAC systems, significantly enhance test scores but do not necessarily raise property values. Conversely, investments in visible amenities like athletic facilities tend to boost property prices.
Biasi’s research highlights a critical consideration for voters who decide on capital proposals. She emphasizes the importance of understanding whether these investments will truly benefit students or merely serve to increase local property values. As she notes, “Public schools are supposed to be free, but really people are paying for the best public school they can afford.”
Implications for Policy and Community
This study raises essential questions about the role of voters in making decisions that impact educational infrastructure. With the majority of voters not being parents, there’s a risk that the benefits of certain projects may not be fully appreciated or prioritized. Biasi hopes that this research will encourage a more informed discussion around school funding and its implications for both students and the broader community.
Looking ahead, Biasi and her team plan to explore how different funding rules across states affect the approval and impact of capital projects. This next phase aims to provide further insights into how modifications in funding rules could potentially reshape the educational landscape.
For more insights from Barbara Biasi and her team, visit her profile on Yale Insights.
More Articles
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
The average 30-year mortgage rate slipped to 6.18% just before Christmas, offering a small break from last year’s higher levels. Yet despite the improvement, mortgage applications for purchases and refinances have fallen to a three‑month low as buyers remain cautious. With mixed rate movements, fluctuating Treasury yields, and affordability challenges still weighing on first‑time buyers, the market is showing signs of stability but not momentum. Real estate professionals who stay informed on these shifting conditions will be best positioned to guide clients in 2026.
New CoStar data shows a widening split in the U.S. commercial real estate market, with high-value office towers, industrial hubs and major retail assets posting steady gains while smaller properties in secondary markets continue to lose ground. Premium assets logged their sixth straight monthly price increase in November, boosted by falling interest rates and limited new construction, while lower‑tier properties saw continued price declines and weakening demand.
Microsoft has eliminated long‑standing volume discounts on cloud services like Microsoft 365, Power BI, Intune and Defender, meaning healthcare organizations will soon pay the same price per seat whether they purchase 100 or 10,000 licenses. With the change taking effect at renewal, hospitals and health systems must begin auditing unused licenses, right‑sizing staff tiers, and re‑evaluating digital workflows to avoid major cost spikes. CDW is stepping in with advisory support, cost‑optimization tools, and flexible CSP options to help organizations navigate the transition before budgets tighten further.
America is still short nearly 2.8 million homes, and in 2026 the states driving the bulk of new construction are once again Florida and Texas. With the South producing more than half of all new building permits nationwide, these regions are shaping the future of inventory, affordability, and opportunity. For real estate, mortgage, insurance, and finance professionals, the surge in Southern homebuilding—especially in Florida—signals expanding career potential as new inventory enters the market and demand for licensed experts continues to rise.
A new Redfin report crowns Irondequoit, New York as the nation’s most competitive housing market, with homes selling in just 8.5 days and often above asking. Priced at a median of $249,132, the lakeside suburb is drawing buyers seeking affordability and speed. The surprising lineup of competing markets—from Bay Area tech hubs to Rust Belt metros—highlights a shifting post‑pandemic housing landscape where affordability pressures and regional disparities continue to shape buyer behavior.
Alaska has overhauled its Third Party Administrator licensing rules, eliminating major long‑standing exemptions and pulling many previously exempt organizations into full licensing requirements starting January 1, 2026. Under Senate Bill 132 and Bulletin B 25‑09, TPAs must now review their operations, prepare documentation, and monitor upcoming state guidance as Alaska moves toward stricter oversight and stronger consumer protection.
