Report on Baltimore City school buildings released

BALTIMORE - Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake signed the Better Schools Act into law today , designed to increase funding for school construction and renovation.

The initiative will push the money from the newly enacted five-cent beverage tax along with several other sources to the city's school system.

The Mayor's office estimates the total could be as much as $300 million in funding for school construction and renovation.

The bill signing coincided with Dr. Alonso's release of the first-ever comprehensive report on the physical condition of the city school system's buildings.

The report shows city schools' buildings fall far below national standards, and gives the district an overall rating of "very poor."

For a look at the full report and more information on City School's building plan, check the city's website at www.baltimorecityschools.org/betterbuildings.