Baltimore City Public Schools is one of America’s largest and most funded school systems. Yet, historically, it’s 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 keep failing 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.
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.
If we could start a nation today, what kind of government would we create? Could we form a more perfect union? Devolution forces readers to answer those questions while offering an alternative Constitution to consider as their own.
“What is patriotism? Is it sticking to a flawed system—or fighting to replace it with a better one?” - First-year college professor, John Nolan
America has collapsed. The land of the free no longer exists—and the global superpower that replaced it may be next.
Political factions within the weakened empire rush to exploit the crisis. Citizens clash as national adversaries seek redemption. The ruthless crusade to attract a vulnerable electorate devolves into a fight for the country’s survival.
As society weakens, an unlikely champion of the people emerges—first-year college professor, John Nolan. With his star rising, colliding political interests fight for his loyalty. When one side does the unreasonable, another does the unthinkable. The result is unimaginable.
All John knows is that he must choose between the country he loves and the country he believes it can be. Will he fight for his government--or against it?
Devolution is Chris Papst second book and first novel. Release date: Summer 2016
“What is patriotism? Is it sticking to a flawed system—or fighting to replace it with a better one?” - First-year college professor, John Nolan
America has collapsed. The land of the free no longer exists—and the global superpower that replaced it may be next.
Political factions within the weakened empire rush to exploit the crisis. Citizens clash as national adversaries seek redemption. The ruthless crusade to attract a vulnerable electorate devolves into a fight for the country’s survival.
As society weakens, an unlikely champion of the people emerges—first-year college professor, John Nolan. With his star rising, colliding political interests fight for his loyalty. When one side does the unreasonable, another does the unthinkable. The result is unimaginable.
All John knows is that he must choose between the country he loves and the country he believes it can be. Will he fight for his government--or against it?
Devolution is Chris Papst second book and first novel. Release date: Summer 2016
Capital Murder, an Investigative Reporter's Hunt for Answers in a Collapsing City was released in April, 2015. It was Chris Papst first published book. The narrative non-fiction title became an Amazon #1 bestseller in three categories.
In late 2011, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania became the first – and only - capital city in American history to file for bankruptcy. For four years, investigative reporter Chris Papst provided award-winning coverage of this unprecedented financial collapse. Now, he has authored a book sharing his experiences while detailing what went wrong.
Capital Murder reveals Harrisburg’s fatal mistakes and shares the personal stories of those who suffered most via its failed government. Papst explains how media and citizen apathy allowed the city to be secretly killed by its beloved mayor of 28 years. He uncovers the truth behind Wall Street’s role in the city’s collapse and explains how this failure of state and local leadership affects every American. And worst of all, it may not be over yet.
Capital Murder is a cautionary tale of what can happen when government is not adequately monitored. It portrays in vivid and personal detail how life deteriorates under an inept or dishonest administration. Every municipality in America should understand what happened to Harrisburg to avoid a similar fate. As Americans, we must ensure that what happened to Pennsylvania's capital is not repeated. If more Harrisburgs emerge, we're in trouble. That is why this book was written.
In late 2011, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania became the first – and only - capital city in American history to file for bankruptcy. For four years, investigative reporter Chris Papst provided award-winning coverage of this unprecedented financial collapse. Now, he has authored a book sharing his experiences while detailing what went wrong.
Capital Murder reveals Harrisburg’s fatal mistakes and shares the personal stories of those who suffered most via its failed government. Papst explains how media and citizen apathy allowed the city to be secretly killed by its beloved mayor of 28 years. He uncovers the truth behind Wall Street’s role in the city’s collapse and explains how this failure of state and local leadership affects every American. And worst of all, it may not be over yet.
Capital Murder is a cautionary tale of what can happen when government is not adequately monitored. It portrays in vivid and personal detail how life deteriorates under an inept or dishonest administration. Every municipality in America should understand what happened to Harrisburg to avoid a similar fate. As Americans, we must ensure that what happened to Pennsylvania's capital is not repeated. If more Harrisburgs emerge, we're in trouble. That is why this book was written.
