Board hears progress update on 130-unit Outer Sunset educator housing project

The San Francisco Unified School District on Sept. 25 received a progress briefing on a planned 130-unit educator-housing development in the Outer Sunset intended primarily for teachers and paraeducators.

Deputy Superintendent Myung Lee introduced developers MidPen Housing and said the district has discussed educator housing “for the better part of 20 years,” framing the project as a flagship effort supported by the city and labor partners. MidPen’s project manager, Andrew Bilak, said the development would use a mixed-income model with roughly 35 units intended for paraeducators at about 40–60 percent of area median income (AMI) and about 94 units targeted at certificated staff in a broader 80–120 percent AMI band. MidPen said illustrative rents in handouts showed paraeducator studios “a little over $800” and three-bedroom rents “closer to $1,800,” while moderate-income two‑bedroom units for teachers could reach about $3,200.

MidPen outlined outreach plans including two educator focus groups, community open houses and coordination with the mayor’s office of housing. The team said it planned to submit a preliminary project assessment to the Planning Department in the coming week to begin formal entitlement review and expected planning comments within about 60 days. If the timeline holds, MidPen said the team would pursue full financing and aim to start construction in 2021, with an 18‑month build period that would finish in the latter half of 2022.

Faith Kirkpatrick, project manager at the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development, said the district will hold a long-term ground lease and that the city is working with district staff on financial structure; she told commissioners that some financing details remain to be finalized. UESF President Susan Solomon praised the multi‑party partnership and called the project an example of “what a partnership looks like.”

Board members asked about procurement of a general contractor, local hiring and small‑business goals, unit eligibility and the length of tenancy for employees who leave the district. MidPen and UESF representatives outlined a lottery and eligibility process that includes probationary‑period requirements (one year for paraeducators; two years for certificated employees) and noted longer stays for residents whose incomes qualify under federal tax‑credit rules. The presenters said rents are set at approximately 30 percent of household income and that selection and eligibility details will be worked out in line with federal and state regulations.

The board did not take a vote on the project; the presentation served as a progress update and opportunity for public and board questions. Next steps are the preliminary Planning Department submission and continued public engagement.