News & Insights
Photo courtesy of: Greg Land
Why California school districts must prioritize affordable housing for employees
In California, the rising cost of living and the ongoing housing crisis are placing unprecedented pressure on school districts’ ability to attract and retain teachers and staff, thereby jeopardizing the delivery of quality education. Too many educators and school employees are forced to allocate a significant portion of their income to housing costs. A 2022 report revealed that in more than half of California’s school districts, starting teacher salaries fall short of covering median asking rents without surpassing 30% of their income, the standard threshold for being considered “rent-burdened.”
On average, 12% of teachers retire, relocate, or leave the profession annually, while turnover rates for classified (non-certificated) employees can reach as high as 25% in some districts. This revolving door is especially prevalent in school districts with higher proportions of students from low-income families, where the challenges of recruitment and retention are often magnified.
This lack of affordable housing in the communities they serve often compels employees to move to distant, less costly neighborhoods, leading to hours-long commutes. Over time, these challenges significantly contribute to employee attrition, depriving schools of experienced educators and staff.
District leaders can no longer afford to ignore the profound impact of the housing crisis on the well-being of their workforce and, consequently, on their ability to educate future generations effectively. Creating a plan to provide affordable housing for school employees has become an essential element of the “business of education.” Addressing this critical issue not only strengthens recruitment and retention but also enhances employee well-being, fosters stronger communities, optimizes resources, supports environmental sustainability, and ultimately improves student outcomes.
A competitive edge in recruitment
One of the most compelling reasons to prioritize affordable housing is its potential to attract and retain top talent. California school districts compete fiercely—both within the state and nationally—for skilled educators and staff. Housing incentives can give districts a significant advantage, transforming them into employers of choice. By offering employees the opportunity to live affordably near their workplaces, districts become more appealing and competitive. This stability ensures students receive consistent, high-quality instruction and support from experienced staff, fostering better educational outcomes.
Enhancing quality of life
Affordable housing also dramatically improves employees’ quality of life. Long commutes and high housing costs exact a mental, physical, and economic toll, often leading to burnout and reduced job satisfaction. When employees live near their schools, they save time and energy, experience less stress, and enjoy a healthier work-life balance. This, in turn, allows them to arrive at work rested, focused, and fully engaged, ready to give their best to their students.
Strengthening communities
Affordable housing doesn’t just benefit employees—it enriches the communities they serve. When teachers and staff live within the neighborhoods where they work, they become integral members of the community. They participate in local events, develop stronger relationships with families, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing their students. This closer connection helps create a supportive, invested environment both inside and outside the classroom.
Maximizing resources
Addressing housing affordability also allows districts to optimize their financial resources. High turnover rates result in significant costs for recruitment and training, which drain staff time and general fund dollars. By stabilizing the workforce, districts can reallocate these resources toward programs that directly benefit students. Additionally, developing mixed-use housing that includes both market-rate and affordable units can generate revenue to fund educational initiatives, reducing the reliance on general fund allocations.
Environmental sustainability
Shorter commutes offer measurable environmental benefits, including reduced traffic congestion, less wear and tear on infrastructure, and lower carbon emissions. Aligning workforce housing initiatives with sustainable practices not only benefits the planet but also reinforces districts’ commitments to environmental stewardship.
A strategic investment in the future
As a district leader, you have a unique opportunity to address this critical need, directly impacting your workforce and the broader community. Prioritizing affordable housing for school employees isn’t merely a practical response to the housing crisis; it’s a forward-thinking investment in the future of education, the well-being of our children, and the success of your district.
You don’t have to tackle this challenge alone. Brailsford & Dunlavey can partner with you to develop and implement a customized workforce housing plan tailored to your district’s needs. With expert guidance, you can transform your district into a thriving, supportive environment for employees, students, and the entire community. Together, we can build a brighter future—one home, one educator, and one student at a time.
NEXT MONTH: A practical guide to creating an affordable housing plan for school districts.
Al Grazioli is a vice president in Brailsford & Dunlavey’s Southern California PK-14 practice, where he leads initiatives to repurpose underutilized educational assets, particularly in affordable housing, to support school priorities. With over 20 years of experience in real estate and educational facility development, including leadership roles at LAUSD, he is recognized as an expert in workforce housing and resource management. He can be reached at agrazioli@bdconnect.com.
