Dear Editor,
I am writing to you to shed light on the ongoing efforts of our school district to address the pressing need for affordable housing for our dedicated teachers and staff. As the district faces the continuous challenge in attracting and retaining highly qualified educators, ensuring affordable housing options has become an urgent priority to support the growth and success of our schools.
Regrettably, our initial commitment from a developer who pledged to provide affordable housing to teachers on Trumbo Point had to be reevaluated due to unforeseen circumstances. The developer, despite their best intentions, encountered substantial cost escalations, effectively hindering their ability to fulfill their agreement with the school district. Understandably, this setback was disheartening, but we remain resolute in finding a viable solution.
In our unwavering pursuit of a sustainable resolution, the school district is exploring alternative avenues to fund the much-needed affordable housing initiative. One such approach involves contacting property appraisers to discuss the possibility of selling off a portion of the land at Trumbo. This strategic decision will enable us to generate necessary funds to support the project while ensuring minimal disruption to our existing facilities as we put the necessary steps in place to move our administrative facilities to our United Street facility known as Bruce Hall.
To facilitate a fair and transparent process, we are in the process of preparing a comprehensive Request for Proposals (RFP) to be released later this week. This RFP will be shared with potential developers, who will have the opportunity to propose their housing projects that align with our vision to provide affordable living options for our valued teaching staff.
Throughout this undertaking, we have been gratified by the support of our local construction companies. Their commitment to our community and our shared dedication to improving our education system are vital components in the realization of this ambitious project.
Affordable housing for our teachers is not merely an aspiration but a fundamental necessity for fostering an environment of excellence in education. As we strive to enrich the lives of our educators, we ultimately uplift the quality of education we provide to our students.
In conclusion, the school district remains steadfast in its pursuit of affordable housing for teachers and is determined to overcome the challenges faced thus far. We firmly believe that this initiative will not only attract and retain talented educators but also enhance the overall educational experience for all of our students and their families.
Theresa Axford
Superintendent
Monroe County Schools
