District weighs plan to convert schools to teacher housing

SAN JOSE, Calif. – A Northern California school district has drafted a plan to convert schools into housing for area teachers amid soaring housing costs.

The East Bay Times reports Saturday that San Jose Unified’s proposal to consider building housing on nine district-owned properties has drawn a backlash from area residents who want to preserve schools they say are the heart of their communities.

The district says it is struggling to find and retain teachers due to soaring housing costs and that teachers commute up to four hours a day to and from their schools.

District officials say they are looking at converting schools with declining enrolment or aging buildings and the district’s offices. The schools would be moved to other sites.

A meeting to discuss the plan drew hundreds of residents this week.

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Information from: East Bay Times, http://www.eastbaytimes.com