Nearly 3,000 New Affordable Educator Housing Units In Pipeline Due to San Diego Unified’s Vision to Build Affordable Housing For Its Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: 

James Canning, 313-580-2845, Jcanning@sandi.net

 

Nearly 3,000 New Affordable Educator Housing Units In Pipeline Due to San Diego Unified's Vision to Build Affordable Housing For Its Staff  

Two more affordable workforce housing projects advanced to next stage on Tuesday night by San Diego Unified Board of Education 

SAN DIEGO (January 27, 2026) – Two proposals – to develop the Fremont/Ballard Center and Revere Center into affordable educator housing – were approved Tuesday, January 27 by the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education. San Diego Unified staff will now complete due diligence and negotiate best-and-final term sheets on four properties, including the two approved on Monday, January 26. 

With Tuesday's vote, nearly 3,000 new affordable educator housing units are in the pipeline across six sites due to San Diego Unified's vision to create affordable housing opportunities for up to 10% of District staff. 

"Moving these projects forward reflects our will to address one of the greatest challenges facing working families in San Diego and our workforce, housing affordability," said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., San Diego Unified School District. "By advancing negotiations on multiple sites, the Board is helping lay the foundation for housing solutions that support staff stability, strengthen our school communities, and ensure the people who serve our students have a real opportunity to live in the region they serve."

The two proposals approved Tuesday were: 

Fremont/Ballard Center - 2375 Congress Street, San Diego 92110  

Monarch/Eden

• Unit Details: 420 workforce housing units from 30% AMI to market rate
• Financial Benefits: $550,000 total guaranteed rent with potential future financial benefits. 
• Other Potential Benefits: Community garden, pool and rec center. Potential community garden and/or childcare center.     

Revere Center - 6735 Gifford Way, San Diego 92111  

Community Housing Works

• Unit Details: 294 affordable workforce housing units from 30% AMI to 120% AMI
• Financial Benefits: $200,000 total guaranteed rent with potential future financial benefits.
• Other Potential Benefits: Construct a facility for on-site childcare or district use. Community spaces. 

At the Monday, January 26, 2026 workshop, developers who submitted proposals for the Eugene Brucker Education Center and Commercial Street properties presented detailed plans for constructing affordable housing, learn more here and below: 

Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal St., San Diego CA 92103 

Protea + Malick

• Unit Details: 1,500 total units from 50% AMI to 120% AMI.

• Financial Benefits: Potential future financial benefits.

• Other Potential Benefits: Integrate site improvements for a drop-off and pick-up parking area that supports Birney Elementary School. Potential pool for San Diego High student use. Childcare facility. Dog park. Community space/garden.

Commercial Street – 2101 Commercial Street, San Diego CA 92113

Mirka Investment

• Unit Details: 174 units of affordable workforce housing from 30% AMI to 80 % AMI

• Financial Benefits: $7,500,000 total guaranteed rent with potential future financial benefits.

• Other Potential Benefits: Construct a 6,000 square foot childcare facility

On December 10, 2025 the Board of Education approved authorizing staff to complete due diligence and negotiate best-and-final term sheets for the Instructional Media Center – 2441 Cardinal Lane, San Diego 92123 

• Proposal Selected: Decro Corporation

• Unit Details: 107 units of affordable workforce housing

• Financial Benefit to San Diego Unified: Estimated $123,029 in annual ground rent revenue, escalating at 2.50% per year. Total ground rent revenue is estimated at $51,789,050 over the proposed 99-year term of the agreement. No District funds required.

On January 28, 2025 the Board of Education approved a term sheet with Affirmed Housing Group, Inc., for Workforce Housing Joint Occupancy Project at Polk Avenue (Former Central Elementary) (Link here)  

The Affordable Workforce Housing initiative reflects San Diego Unified's continued commitment to developing housing options that support the recruitment and retention of a strong workforce, while maintaining District ownership of property and ensuring community-oriented outcomes.

For more information about the proposals, workshop agendas, and next steps, please visit the Board of Education section at SanDiegoUnified.org. 

###

 

James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

 

 

WEDNESDAY: SD Unified To Announce Strengthened Human Trafficking Prevention Program

MEDIA ADVISORY

SD Unified To Announce Strengthened Human Trafficking Prevention Program

WHAT: Press Conference

WHY: During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, San Diego Unified School District's Office of Investigations, Compliance & Accountability (ICA) has updated its practices involving human trafficking prevention. 

This new coordinated and collaborative response model works with students who are vulnerable to being exploited. Students will have the ability to seek help and receive wrap-around support services from the school district and a multidisciplinary team of internal and external partners.

During the press conference, officials will announce details of the improved program along with details of a new community partnership, which was approved by the San Diego Unified Board of Education earlier this month.  

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Eugene Brucker Education Center,  4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103 (Inside the Auditorium) 

WHO:

• Alina Nguyen, Student Board of Education Trustee, San Diego Unified School District
• Ashley Ordaz, Student Board of Education Trustee, San Diego Unified School District
• Farshad M. Talebi, Executive Director, ICA, San Diego Unified School District
• Carlos Rodriguez – Internal Investigator, ICA, San Diego Unified School District 
• Jonathan Castillo, CEO, San Diego Youth Services 
• Christopher Rice, Task Force Commander, San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force

____________________________________________________________________________

Media Contact: James Canning, Jcanning@sandi.net, 313-580-2845

###

 

 

James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

 

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED BOARD ADVANCES 2 AFFORDABLE WORKFORCE HOUSING PROJECTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: 

James Canning, 313-580-2845, Jcanning@sandi.net

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED BOARD ADVANCES 2 AFFORDABLE WORKFORCE HOUSING PROJECTS 

Board of Education Approval Authorizes District Staff to Negotiate with Selected Entities

SD Unified Seeks to Create Affordable Housing for 10% of Its Workforce Over Next Decade 

SAN DIEGO (January 26, 2026) – The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education took action tonight, January 26, 2026, at a special affordable housing workshop to authorize staff to begin due diligence and negotiate best-and-final term sheets based on proposals presented by developers at the Eugene Brucker Education Center in University Heights and the former Irving Street Warehouse site at 2101 Commercial Street. The Board voted to advance the Protea + Malick and Mirka Investment proposals. Their proposals include: 

Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal St., San Diego CA 92103  

Protea + Malick

• Unit Details: 1,500 total units from 50% AMI to 120% AMI.
• Financial Benefits: Potential future financial benefits.
• Other Potential Benefits:  Integrate site improvements for a drop-off and pick-up parking area that supports Birney Elementary School. Potential pool for San Diego High student use. Childcare facility. Dog park.  Community space/garden.

Commercial Street – 2101 Commercial Street, San Diego CA 92113 

Mirka Investment

• Unit Details: 174 units of affordable workforce housing from 30% AMI to 80 % AMI
• Financial Benefits: $7,500,000 total guaranteed rent with potential future financial benefits.
• Other Potential Benefits: Construct a 6,000 square foot childcare facility

The Board of Education determined if the district staff analysis shows the Mirka Investments project is not feasible, staff can immediately start to conduct the due diligence process with Decro Corporation for their proposal for 86 units of affordable workforce housing on the Commercial Street site. 

San Diego Unified School District has set a goal of providing 10% of its workforce with affordable housing by 2030.  

"Our Board's thoughtful consideration of these workforce housing proposals reflects our commitment to tackling the affordability crisis facing so many dedicated educators and support staff," said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., San Diego Unified School District. "By moving these projects forward, the Board is taking meaningful steps toward creating quality homes that are within reach for the people who make our schools successful."

On December 10, 2025, the Board of Education first reviewed proposals submitted for five District sites in response to the District's Request for Proposals. While one housing project at the Instructional Media Center was advanced, the Board directed staff to schedule future workshops to allow for deeper review and discussion of proposals for the remaining four properties at the Eugene Brucker Education Center, Ballard Center/Fremont Center, 2101 Commercial Street, and Revere Center.

On December 19, 2025, the District extended invitations to all qualified proposers for the four remaining sites to participate in two special Board of Education Real Estate Workshops held January 26 and 27. Proposers were asked to present their concepts, clarify elements of their original submissions, discuss financing feasibility, and provide tabular summaries of project details, as well as respond to questions from Board members.

At the Monday, January 26 workshop, developers who submitted proposals for the Education Center and Commercial Street properties presented detailed plans for constructing affordable housing. Board members engaged with proposers and District staff on key elements of each project, including affordability levels, community benefits, and revenue considerations.

The Board's action authorizes staff to complete due diligence and negotiate best-and-final term sheets with the selected proposer for each property. Any final agreements will return to the Board for future consideration.

The Affordable Workforce Housing initiative reflects San Diego Unified's continued commitment to developing housing options that support the recruitment and retention of a strong workforce, while maintaining District ownership of property and ensuring community-oriented outcomes.

For more information about the proposals, workshop agendas, and next steps, please visit the Board of Education section at SanDiegoUnified.org.

###

 

 

James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

 

 

Bilingual College Fair Saturday at Logan Memorial Educational Campus

MEDIA ADVISORY

Bilingual College Fair Saturday at Logan Memorial Educational Campus 

Free Event Connects Students and Families with Higher Education Opportunities

WHAT: Steps Toward Your Future: Bilingual College Fair

WHY: San Diego Unified School District, in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego and community partners, will host a free bilingual college fair to help students and families explore higher education opportunities. The event features representatives from local and international community colleges and universities, financial aid assistance to help students and their families, workshops, and resources for Dreamers and UC admissions, There will also be the CBX Campaign Launch for ColibríMX Scholarships “Flying Side by Side” and the Logan Memorial Mariachi Band will perform.

For more information, view the event videos in English and Spanish.

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026

• Event: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Speaking Program: 10 a.m. 

WHERE: Logan Memorial Educational Campus (LMEC), 721 South 28th Street, San Diego, CA 92113

WHO:

• Ambassador Alicia Kerber, Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego

• Assemblymember David Alvarez, California District 80

• Dr. Gabriel Nunez Moran, San Diego Unified School District

• Daisy Gonzales, California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)

 

Media Contact: James Canning, Jcanning@sandi.net, 313-580-2845

###

 

 

 

James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

 

 

SATURDAY: San Diego Unified Students Showcase Cultural Artwork at Local Coffee House

MEDIA ADVISORY

San Diego Unified Students Showcase Cultural Artwork at Local Coffee House

Lincoln High School Artivism Class Presents Month-Long "Cultural Wealth Project" Exhibition at Barrio Coffee

WHAT: San Diego Unified School District's Lincoln High School students are showcasing 22 original artworks in a month-long exhibition at Barrio Coffee. The "Cultural Wealth Project," created by students in the school's Artivism class, celebrates creativity, culture, and storytelling through visual art.

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026

  Opening Reception: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

  Exhibition on display through Feb. 17, 2026, during regular coffee house hours

WHERE: Barrio Coffee, 634 25th Street, San Diego, CA 92102

WHY: The exhibition showcases original artwork from Lincoln High School's Artivism class, where students use art as a vehicle for social expression and cultural celebration. Student artists will be present at the opening reception to discuss their work and the inspiration behind their pieces.

Lincoln High School's Artivism class empowers students to explore themes of identity, heritage, and community through visual art. The "Cultural Wealth Project" features 22 unique pieces created by 22 different students, each artwork representing the diverse backgrounds and perspectives within San Diego Unified's student community. This exhibition brings student voices into a neighborhood space, connecting young artists with the broader community while celebrating the cultural richness of the district. The artwork is not for sale.

WHO: Twenty-two Lincoln High School student artists from the Artivism class; Jessica Rogawski, Visual Art Teacher, Lincoln High School, San Diego Unified School District; Cat Phillips, Lincoln High School, San Diego Unified School District.

MEDIA CONTACT: James Canning, 313-580-2845, jcanning@sandi.net

###

 

 

James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

 

 

San Diego Unified 49th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Friday, Jan. 16

MEDIA ADVISORY

San Diego Unified's 49th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Friday, Jan. 16  

Student Performances, Inspiring Speakers and Neighborhood March Honor
Dr. King's Legacy of Peace, Justice and Equality

Board of Education Passed Resolution Tuesday Recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day   

WHAT: San Diego Unified's 49th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute 

WHY: For nearly five decades, Knox Middle School has empowered students to carry forward Dr. King's message through their own voices. Students lead this annual tribute by performing Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, creating artwork that celebrates his legacy, and marching through their community to demonstrate the power of youth advocacy and civic engagement. This student-driven tradition, one of California's longest-running school tributes to Dr. King, connects young people to the historic March on Washington while inspiring them to become the next generation of leaders for justice and equality. The Board of Education for the district recently passed a resolution (linked here) recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026

• Program: 9:45-11 a.m.
• March: 10:56-11:08 a.m.
• Event program: View run of show
• March route: View map
  

WHERE: Knox Middle School, 1098 S. 49th St., San Diego, CA 92113

VISUALS

• Students perform excerpts from the "I Have a Dream" speech
• Student-created banners and artwork honoring Dr. King will be displayed throughout the march
• Performances include Danza Folklorica, Haitian Culture Club, orchestra, and a solo performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner," along with spoken word presented by Valencia Park Elementary students. 
• Lincoln High School's JROTC will present colors, and the drumline and majorettes will lead students from eight schools as they march through the neighborhood.

WHO: Dr. Fabiola Bagula, superintendent, San Diego Unified School District; Board of Education Trustee Sharon Whitehurst-Payne; Board Member Shana Hazan; Area E Superintendent Dr. Steve Dorsey; Principal Heather Potter, Knox Middle School; Mark Anthony Hall, Manhood ABC LLC (grand marshal); award recipients Dr. Lateefah S. Brown and Cece McGee of Vertex Pharmaceuticals; and students from Lincoln High School, Knox Middle School, Lewis Middle School, Chavez Elementary, Porter Elementary, Baker Elementary, Balboa Elementary, Valencia Park Elementary and Nye Elementary.

 

MEDIA PARKING: Parking will be available in the north lot (by the main office)

________________________________________________________________________________

Media Contact: James Canning, 313-580-2845, jcanning@sandi.net

###

 

 

 

James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org