The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) is exploring the possibility of constructing 1,000 units of income-restricted housing aimed at bolstering its workforce. This ambitious initiative could potentially accommodate 10% of the district’s employees over the next decade, as reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Lee Dulgeroff, the district’s facilities executive director, emphasized the necessity for “bold but achievable long-term goals.” He articulated this vision during a recent board workshop, underscoring the strategic importance of housing as a component of the district’s recruitment and retention efforts.
The proposal seeks to utilize land owned by the district, allowing developers to build this housing under joint-occupancy leases. The revenue generated from these projects could then be allocated to various needs across SDUSD’s budget. This multifaceted approach to real estate management reflects a broader trend within educational institutions to address the challenges posed by housing affordability in urban school districts.
According to the current plan, SDUSD intends to develop more than 1,000 housing units across five sites. The project will focus on two income categories: moderate-income housing targeting families earning between 80% and 120% of the county’s area median income, and low-income units for families earning up to 80% of that median. However, housing experts point out that to access many forms of assistance, applicants would likely need to demonstrate an income level at or below 60% of the area median income, translating to approximately ,680 annually for a family.
School board member Quinton Baldis has advocated for an expansion of the project to consider the housing needs of students and their families, suggesting that aligning affordable housing initiatives with student support services could further the district’s educational mission. “I truly feel like providing homes and affordable housing for our students is aligned more with our goals and guardrails as a district,” Baldis stated, highlighting the interconnectedness of housing stability and educational success.
As the San Diego Unified School District continues to develop its strategic plan, the integration of affordable housing initiatives represents a significant step toward fostering a more sustainable and supportive environment for both educators and students alike. Such initiatives not only aim to alleviate the burden of housing costs but also seek to create a community that encourages retention and enhances the overall quality of education within the district.
