Board directs superintendent to explore employee housing options and to share housing authority resources with families

After a board workshop on local affordable housing, board members voted on two related actions at the March meeting: (1) the board directed the superintendent to explore affordable housing options and models for district employees and report back at the July 28, 2025 workshop; and (2) the board directed the superintendent to use district communications resources to collaborate with the Tallahassee Housing Authority to disseminate information about existing affordable housing opportunities to families of district students.

The employee directive asks the superintendent to explore options that could include a land trust agreement process using available district property and partnerships with the Tallahassee Housing Authority, Leon County, City of Tallahassee and other affordable housing providers. The motion described the intent as exploring viable approaches to help employees secure affordable housing where possible; board members said higher salaries remain the most direct remedy but that housing interventions could provide additional support.

The second motion — focused on students and families — was narrowed after board discussion to limit dissemination to verified openings through the Tallahassee Housing Authority to avoid recommending individual private rentals without vetting. Board members accepted a friendly amendment specifying the housing authority as the primary partner for family outreach.

Both motions passed unanimously. Board members said they valued the cross‑jurisdictional approach and requested that staff include possible timelines, partnerships, and examples of program models when they return in July.

Ending Superintendent Hannah will develop options and return with a report for the July 28, 2025 board workshop; communications staff will coordinate with the Tallahassee Housing Authority to share verified housing availability information with families.