Dear community member,
A milestone was reached this week as Santa Cruz City Schools (SCCS) broke ground on 313 Swift St, the first educator workforce housing project in our county’s history.
The 100-unit development will provide below-market-rate rental housing for both teachers and support staff, helping more educators live closer to where they work and supporting long-term stability in local schools. Educators are expected to move in in 2028.
It’s well-known that Santa Cruz County is one of the least affordable housing markets in our nation. SCCS has shared that 95% of job-offer declines are related to housing and cost of living, and the lack of affordable housing also makes it difficult to retain the exceptional educators already working here.
This project is one piece of a much larger housing puzzle that affects our community in so many ways, including as one of primary factors behind declining school enrollment. But it shows how community support and creative approaches can come together to build something to meet the evolving needs of our school community.
Congratulations to Santa Cruz City Schools Superintendent Kris Munro, the SCCS Board of Education, and the entire community who voted and advocated to fund this innovative project. To learn more about it, visit the SCCS website.
Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools