More than 1,000 of Maryland's 1,361 public schools require repairs, renovation, or replacement, according to a new report released Wednesday by the Maryland Comptroller's office.

The school construction report is part of the Comptroller's "State Spending Series," which examines state expenses and factors driving costs for public infrastructure projects.

Only 20% of the state's public-school buildings are in "like new," "good," or "satisfactory" condition, according to the report. The remaining 80% are considered in need of repairs or "functionally unreliable."

The findings come as construction costs have surged 42% since 2019, with each new classroom now averaging $1 million, according to the comptroller's office.

"This report should be a wake-up call," Maryland Comptroller Brooke E.

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