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NUSD Education Workforce Housing Newsletter - May 27, 2025

Posted Date: 5/27/25 (10:00 PM)
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NUSD Education Workforce Housing Newsletter

News and Updates

May 27, 2025
A hand holds a paper cutout of a house against a blurred green background.

Strengthening Support for Education Workforce Housing In Novato

Dear Novato Community,

The Novato Unified School District (NUSD) continues to advance its Education Workforce Housing (EWH) Initiative, a strategic effort to support staff stability and strengthen educational outcomes. This month, we’re sharing momentum at the state level and key updates on local planning progress.
 
Aerial view of a residential area with a large, undeveloped field.
Local Progress: From Waivers to Site Preparation
NUSD’s phased Development Staging Plan continues to move forward:

The Surplus Property Facilities Advisory Committee (SPFAC) reviewed the San Andreas and Meadow Annex properties and concluded they are no longer needed for school use. The Committee recommended that the Board of Trustees declare both properties as surplus and pursue a waiver that would give NUSD control over any future development on the sites. The Board of Trustees approved this recommendation.
 
On March 24, 2025, NUSD submitted a waiver request to the State Board of Education (SBE) to obtain greater local control and flexibility over these sites. A final decision on the waiver is expected after the SBE meeting on July 11.

The EWH Advisory Committee met on April 21 and reviewed the status of the waiver and discussed next steps, including a presentation on the Oak Hill Apartments Bond Guarantor model.

The EWH Team continues to focus on finance and development strategies—researching entitlement options, evaluating potential funding sources, and engaging the community throughout the process.
The Great Seal of the State of California is displayed on a building exterior.
 
State-Level Advocacy: NUSD Supports Key Workforce Housing Bills

At its May 20 meeting, the NUSD Board of Trustees approved Resolution No. 29-2024/2025, formally endorsing two California School Boards Association (CSBA)-sponsored bills: AB 1021 and AB 1381.

AB 1021 aims to streamline the development of workforce housing on surplus school district property by expanding eligibility criteria and easing regulatory barriers.

AB 1381 would establish a $10 million revolving loan fund to help districts cover early development costs such as feasibility studies and site analysis.

By joining this statewide coalition of support, NUSD is backing practical, scalable solutions to California’s educator housing crisis. If passed, these bills will give districts like ours clearer paths to move projects from planning to construction.

 
A woman sits in a car, resting her chin on her hand.
Why It Matters
Ensuring consistent, high-quality education

Workforce housing isn’t just about affordability—it’s a critical part of what matters most: consistent, high-quality education for students. When employees can live closer to their schools, it reduces turnover, strengthens employee retention, and keeps classrooms staffed with experienced professionals. The more stability we build into our workforce, the more we can deliver on our core mission: student success.
 
Recent data from Marin County underscores the urgency:
  • Median home prices in Marin County remain at $1.443 million.
  • Monthly rent for market-rate apartments averages $3,843.
  • Even “affordable” rentals often exceed $2,800/month and are extremely limited.

The EWH initiative is about long-term stability for our staff, our students, and our schools.
Two toy houses with a rising arrow and dollar signs, symbolizing growth.
 
Image of Housing Logo

Upcoming Key Dates

  • July 11, 2025: State Board of Education meeting (NUSD waiver decision)
  • August 19, 2025: Board Meeting (update on waiver and development plans)
  • August 25, 2025: EWH Advisory Committee Meeting (update and next steps)
 

Stay Involved

Thank you for your support! The NUSD Board of Trustees is committed to a transparent, inclusive process and encourages community participation.

🔹 Attend public meetings
🔹 Visit our website for updates
🔹 Request a presentation for your group

Questions or suggestions? 
Contact: Derek Knell, Director of Staff Housing [email protected] | 📞 (415) 493-4479

To learn more about this initiative and stay updated on our progress, visit the dedicated EWH page on our website. NUSD Staff Housing Webpage
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