“Educational institutions have evolved into a new bureaucracy. Chris Papst demonstrates the courage to challenge powerful bureaucracies by holding those at the top accountable. He deeply explores topics such as grading, promotions, discipline, school safety, and violence. Failure Factory raises the question, are children failing school or are schools failing children?"—Barbara Dezmon, Ph.D.: Maryland State Conference NAACP
Baltimore City Public Schools is one of America’s largest and most funded school systems. Yet, historically, it is among the lowest performing. In 2024, despite a $1.7 billion budget, just 10% of students tested proficient in math. Investigative journalist Chris Papst follows the money to uncover why students continue to fail within a school system that’s failing Baltimore.
Failure Factory shines a critical light on America’s public education system by exposing what’s really happening inside classrooms and behind administrative doors. Reporting for Fox45 News in Baltimore, Papst spent eight years investigating public schools. What he learned is shocking.
A significant realignment has recently occurred in public education. The focus has shifted to value data and funding over students and futures. Failure Factory highlights this transition by exposing how academic outcomes are manipulated, while students are promoted through the grade levels without receiving the education they need. When students fail classes, their grades are often changed to passing. If schools appear dangerous, arrests and suspensions are no longer recorded. If graduation rates decline, academic metrics are adjusted - making it easier to receive a diploma.
For many, a career in education remains a noble calling. But a growing number of educators now view public schools as a means to acquire wealth. As Baltimore’s student enrollment has plummeted, budgets have surged. Taxpayers are funding staggering increases in six-figure salary jobs, as declining student outcomes cripple entire neighborhoods.
What’s happening in Baltimore schools is not unique; it’s ubiquitous. That new educational mindset, which prioritizes data over students and funding over futures, is quickly spreading across the country with equally dire consequences for local communities. Is your school system next? This book is your warning.
Chris Papst is the lead investigative reporter for Project Baltimore, Fox45 News' ongoing investigation into Maryland's public education system. He is a national award-winning reporter and best-selling author.As an investigative reporter, Chris's work has led to the passing of state laws, criminal convictions, and court rulings that have set legal precedent throughout Maryland. As an author, his book, Capital Murder, hit #1 on Amazon in three categories. His second book, Devolution - a novel - was released in the summer of 2016.During his career, Chris's work has received awards of recognition from institutions such as the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland Office of the Comptroller, and the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education. In 2023, Chris received the Vanguard Award from the Maryland State Conference NAACP. One year later, he received the Excellence in Education Advocacy Award from the Randallstown Chapter of the NAACP.Chris' investigative reports have been recognized with some of journalism's top national honors, including an Emmy Award for investigative reporting from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
