Lompoc Unified School District to Pursue Education Workforce Housing on Tuesday

The Lompoc Unified School District is making strides to support its employees by proposing Education Workforce Housing (EWH) in the city. The Board of Trustees unanimously voted to pursue this initiative, which could potentially bring 100 or more below-market rental units to LUSD employees.

With housing costs on the rise and educator shortages becoming a pressing issue, the decision to invest in EWH comes at a critical time. The District aims to retain and recruit top talent by providing affordable housing options for its staff members.

The resolution approved by the Board of Trustees expresses strong support for the development of workforce housing as a strategic initiative to enhance recruitment and retention efforts. The decision follows a six-month exploration into EWH guided by experts from various institutions.

Public-private partnerships for financing the EWH project are currently being explored, with no general fund or general obligation bond dollars to be allocated for construction or maintenance. The Lompoc Federation of Teachers President, Skyler Petersen, expressed excitement about the initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing high-quality housing options for employees.

LUSD Board President, Franky Caldeira, highlighted the challenges faced by employees in finding affordable housing and the impact it has on their ability to stay in the District. The EWH Committee, consisting of key stakeholders, is dedicated to supporting staff well-being and enhancing educational outcomes for students.

Superintendent Dr. Clara Finneran expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to create EWH for employees, recognizing them as the District’s greatest asset. The strong support from the Board and employees underscores the commitment to addressing the housing challenges faced by districts nationwide.