The D+ Problem

It doesn’t take an expert to understand why the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave U.S. public school infrastructure a D+ grade. Half of our nation’s schools are over 50 years old, with aging HVAC systems, outdated plumbing, and deteriorating roofs. The underlying issue? Chronic underfunding.

While some schools benefit from higher local tax revenues, most districts face the same challenge: balancing urgent infrastructure needs with the need to fairly compensate educators. Even when bond measures are possible, they carry significant financial and legal risks—and not every community can support them.

So, what’s the alternative?

One solution gaining traction is the use of Public-Private Partnerships (P3s). These contractual agreements between government entities and private sector partners combine public oversight with private investment and expertise. While P3s are commonly used for projects like toll roads or bridges, they’re now being adapted to meet the unique needs of public schools.

Unlike toll roads, schools can’t generate direct revenue from infrastructure. But schools can generate savings. When a P3 partner upgrades inefficient boilers, outdated HVAC systems, poorly designed roof systems, or aging lighting and water systems, schools see a dramatic reduction in their energy and operating expenses. These savings are then used to amortize the cost of improvements over time—all while the school operates more efficiently, and often with no need to raise new capital or increase taxes.

Not all P3s are created equal. That’s why Smart Air Defense has partnered with Origyn International, one of the largest public agency funders, which aligns with its goals to offer K12 schools a model where:

✅ Schools don’t carry any project liability on their balance sheets

✅ Monthly costs are categorized as a utility expense

✅ Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is prioritized

✅ The project is ideally designed to meet ASHRAE Standard 241

Every school has different needs. Some schools are just looking for a solar project, while others would prefer a more holistic approach. We are willing to help all schools.

Let’s be clear: Not every school district is a perfect candidate, but the worse the condition of the assets of the school, the more likely we can help with a zero-debt funding package. Overall, this represents a smart, scalable path forward—turning D+ buildings into A+ environments where students and teachers thrive.

If you’re a school leader, facilities manager, or education advocate, now is the time to explore what a well-structured P3 can do for your district.

Let’s build better schools—without breaking the budget.