diff --git a/backend/app.py b/backend/app.py
index 2a2e043..d0f5dcd 100644
--- a/backend/app.py
+++ b/backend/app.py
@@ -277,7 +277,7 @@ async def get_schools(
 
             # Filter by distance using pre-geocoded lat/long from database
             def calc_distance(row):
-                if pd.isna(row.get("latitude")) or pd.isna(row.get("longitude")):
+                if pd.isna(row["latitude"]) or pd.isna(row["longitude"]):
                     return float("inf")
                 return haversine_distance(
                     search_coords[0],