What's Happening?
The Novato Unified School District is moving forward with a plan to develop workforce housing to address staff retention challenges. The board of trustees voted unanimously to pursue real estate entitlements for two surplus properties, aiming to create between 190 and 220 housing units. The properties include the Meadow Park Annex site and the San Andreas property. The district is also exploring additional housing units on land near the Marin County Free Library. The initiative is part of a comprehensive master plan involving partnerships with local organizations. The district faces a high number of expected retirements and younger staff leaving due to housing costs, prompting this affordable housing project.
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Why It's Important?
The workforce housing plan is crucial for Novato Unified School District as it seeks to attract and retain educators amidst rising housing costs. By providing affordable housing options, the district aims to mitigate the loss of staff who leave for better pay or lower living expenses. This initiative could serve as a model for other districts facing similar challenges, highlighting the importance of innovative solutions in public education. The project also represents a strategic use of public assets, potentially enhancing educational opportunities for students by stabilizing the workforce.
What's Next?
The district will proceed with the entitlements process, involving subcommittees to explore cost and finance options and maintain communication with stakeholders. A development team has been hired to prepare a phased proposal, and a finance consultant will assist with grant applications. The district must collaborate with the city on land use arrangements. Construction is expected to begin after the development stage, taking approximately two to 2.5 years. The district received a waiver from the California Board of Education, easing surplus property procedures, and the state Housing Department confirmed the properties qualify as exempt surplus land.
