San Marcos School District Weighs Employee Housing
The school board is reviewing a plan to build 400 housing units to help staff save up to $1,000 per month on local rent.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Apartments
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Should school districts prioritize developing affordable housing for their own teachers and staff?
The San Marcos CISD school board has tabled a proposal for an employee housing development that could provide up to 400 residential units. The plan seeks to address recruitment and retention challenges by offering housing at significantly lower costs than current market rates.
Why it matters
District employees are struggling with housing affordability, which impacts the school system's ability to maintain a stable workforce. This project is intended to provide a viable long-term solution for staff facing rising local costs.
An employee survey of 689 staff members—representing 55% of the workforce—revealed that most are interested in district-supported units. The proposal from Upward Communities aims to save residents between $600 and $1,000 monthly compared to market rates over a 55-year lease.
The players
San Marcos CISD
The local school district managing workforce recruitment and retention.
Upward Communities
A developer specializing in large-scale residential projects for professional housing.
The details
Upward Communities would fund the entire cost of the 400-unit development, requiring the district to sign a 55-year master lease. This agreement would allow for one-bedroom units to remain priced below $2,000 per month, offering a substantial discount on standard local rent. The board is currently evaluating this partnership as a strategy to secure affordable living options for district personnel.
Timeline
July through October 2026: Employee survey conducted by Upward Communities.
October 19, 2026: School board reviewed the housing proposal.
The Home Front
This proposal follows a broader national trend of school districts entering into long-term master leases to subsidize housing costs for teachers and staff. It marks a departure from traditional district operations by directly addressing local real-estate affordability.
District employees interested in these potential units should monitor school board meeting agendas for future votes on the 55-year lease agreement. Residents should also watch for updates on eligibility requirements if the project receives final approval.
The takeaway
The school board's decision to table the housing project suggests a careful review of the 55-year commitment required by the developer. Employees should keep a record of the survey findings to advocate for continued development of affordable local options.
Further reading
For more information on the local rental market, see our guide to Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KXAN.
Live Poll
Should school districts prioritize developing affordable housing for their own teachers and staff?
