Baltimore Investigative Reporter Exposes Systemic Issues in Public School System

Chris Papst's 8-year investigation uncovers falsified student grades, data manipulation, and a focus on funding over education

Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:47pm

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Fox 45 Baltimore investigative reporter Chris Papst spent years looking into questionable practices at the Baltimore public school system, discovering shocking practices such as falsifying student grades to boost graduation rates tied to funding. Papst's reporting, which led to a book titled "Failure Factory", has resulted in policy changes and legal precedents aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the school system.

Why it matters

Papst's investigation highlights broader issues facing public education systems across the country, where the focus has shifted from educating students to acquiring funding and expanding bureaucracy. His reporting demonstrates the vital role that local investigative journalism plays in holding institutions accountable and informing the public.

The details

Papst's investigation uncovered numerous issues within the Baltimore public school system, including finding six schools where not a single student tested proficient in any subject, teachers reporting that administrators were changing failing grades to passing, and the discovery of over 12,500 improper grade changes over four years that allowed students to graduate who should not have. The reporting also found data manipulation tied to suspensions, arrests, and enrollment numbers - all connected to funding.

  • In 2017, Papst's team analyzed state testing data and found six Baltimore City schools where not a single student tested proficient in any subject.
  • In 2019, a judge ruled that Baltimore City Schools had knowingly and willfully violated the Maryland Public Information Act, likely to conceal wrongdoing.
  • After obtaining records through the lawsuit, the state inspector general found more than 12,500 improper grade changes over four years.

The players

Chris Papst

An award-winning, Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter for Fox 45 in Baltimore who has spent the last 9 years leading the "Project Baltimore" investigative unit focused on the city's public school system.

Baltimore City Public Schools

The public school system in Baltimore, Maryland that was the subject of Papst's 8-year investigation, which uncovered issues such as falsified student grades, data manipulation, and a focus on funding over education.

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What they’re saying

“When we were deciding on our first topic, we leaned toward public education because, in many cities-including Baltimore-it's the largest line item in the budget.”

— Chris Papst, Investigative Reporter, Fox 45 Baltimore

“The focus is not learning. It's passing. And passing drives funding.”

— Chris Papst, Investigative Reporter, Fox 45 Baltimore

“Local investigative journalism improves quality of life. It informs voters. It holds power accountable.”

— Chris Papst, Investigative Reporter, Fox 45 Baltimore

What’s next

Papst's reporting has already led to policy changes and legal precedents in Maryland, but he hopes his book "Failure Factory" will help bring attention to these issues in public education systems across the country.

The takeaway

Papst's investigation into the Baltimore public school system highlights the critical role that local investigative journalism plays in holding institutions accountable and exposing systemic issues that impact the quality of education for students. His work demonstrates the need for more sustained, in-depth reporting on the challenges facing public education, even as local newsrooms face budget and staffing cuts.