Jefferson Elementary School District Opens Affordable Teacher Housing Complex, First K-8 Staff Housing in San Mateo County
Addressing housing affordability for teachers, Eastmoor Heights’ 56 rental units ensure residents can reside in the same community where they work.
Media Contact: Toni Barone, (650) 746-2450, tbarone@jeffersonesd.org
Daly City, CA (August 7, 2024) - Jefferson Elementary School District (JESD) celebrated the grand opening of Eastmoor Heights, the faculty and staff housing development it built with support from the City of Daly City and funding from Measure U (2018) to resolve the issue of the rising cost of living for its educators. Located at 305 Eastmoor Avenue, Eastmoor Heights is the first facility of its kind in San Mateo County for a California K-8 school district and the second project for a public school district in San Mateo County.
The much-needed housing facility will provide teachers with the opportunity to live in affordable, well-appointed, centrally located housing, increasing JESD’s ability to attract and retain highly qualified teachers and staff. Eastmoor Heights contains 56 housing units in two-story and three-story buildings surrounding a courtyard, community building, and a play area for children. About 56 to 70 employees will live in the units.
“This project brings to life our commitment to supporting our faculty and staff,” said Sandy Mikulik, Superintendent, Jefferson Elementary School District. “Staff and teacher housing is a known solution for all school districts. Our educators can focus on inspiring and educating our students instead of considering relocating due to high housing costs. Residents of Daly City have made it possible for us to recruit and retain the best teachers and staff for our schools. We are also thrilled to receive increased interest in job applicants. This is a step forward for our school district culture and recruitment and it will have a lasting impact for years to come.”
“On behalf of the Board of Education, I thank the JESD community and the City of Daly City for working with us to make this opportunity a life-changing reality for educators in our community,” said Shakeel Ali, Board President, Jefferson Elementary School District. “We appreciate your years of partnership and support. It’s a testament to the power of working together to achieve a milestone for the good of our students and future generations.”
The housing facility is environmentally friendly, equipped with solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, modular construction, and water-conscious landscaping and drainage.
“We have been trying to change our living situation for many years,” shared teacher Claudia Zervoulakos. “Unfortunately, we have never had the ability to move due to rising housing costs. The workforce housing has given us the opportunity to live in a better place at an affordable price. I am excited to now live in the same community where I teach. Thank you JESD.”
“It’s great to finally be moved in,” shared another teacher. “This is a great opportunity to save some money on rent and be able to stay living and working in the area we love!”
A staff member shared, “Being approved for residency in my district's workforce housing community is an opportunity I am very excited about! Saving money on market rental rates and being closer to work are benefits of this program I am grateful for.”
Another staff member shared, “I am thrilled that the district has provided the new apartments to the staff working in the district. This apartment has given me a secure gated community. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to stay in this brand new apartment.”
With this initiative, the City of Daly City makes history as the only jurisdiction in San Mateo County with two faculty and staff housing facilities within its boundaries.
About Jefferson Elementary School District: The Jefferson Elementary School District, established in 1866, serves Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade students from four contiguous areas in San Mateo County - Daly City, Colma, Broadmoor Village, and Pacifica. Jefferson Elementary School District provides all students with a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment where each student demonstrates a spirit of respect, responsibility and a commitment to academic and civic excellence. The district serves approximately 5,000 students. More than 20 languages are represented, making the district truly international. The district employs 25 certificated office and site administrators, 322 teachers and pupil services staff, and about 300 classified employees.
For more information: https://www.jsd.k12.ca.us/