Los Altos School District and Los Altos Community Foundation Program Seeks
Local Housing for Teachers
Los Altos, CA, April 16, 2018 – As one of the top school districts in the state, Los Altos School District’s (LASD) innovative educational model consistently attracts talented teachers. But given the high cost of housing, many teachers struggle to find affordable accommodations locally and are unable to live as part of the neighborhood community.
To ensure it can continue to hire the best and brightest, LASD in a continued partnership with the Los Altos Community Foundation (LACF), is offering an electronic “bulletin board” program where residents can offer housing units to newly hired and existing LASD teachers. Now in its third year, this program has proven to be a valuable resource, especially for newly-hired teachers who wish to be part of the community in which they work.
Last year, several teachers found local housing through this program. Following are quotes from two of these teachers that describe the positive impact of finding affordable housing close to their schools.
“When I was offered a position with LASD, I was beyond ecstatic. Then reality set in as I thought about the cost of housing and if I could actually live and teach in the area,” explained Samantha Randall, a 1st grade teacher at Covington School. “After receiving an email about the housing program, I started to think this would be possible again. LASD worked tirelessly to find an option that would work for me and matched me with another new teacher in the district who was looking for a roommate. I appreciate the opportunity and hope it will continue to help new teachers in the area.”
Sasha Rockwell, a 5th grade teacher at Springer Elementary School added, “It’s an honor to work at LASD – and be part of a community of dedicated educators and leaders. I’m also grateful for the district’s help with finding affordable housing: my little cottage in a beautiful garden is only a five minute bike ride from Springer School! I feel embraced by this community of supportive families, dedicated students, and devoted educators.”
How Local Residents Can Help
In anticipation of the upcoming 2018-2019 school year, the housing program is seeking local residents with available in-law units, apartments, or units with its own entrance available to rent to a teacher. Rentals units must be available for rent beginning in the July-August 2018 timeframe. An online interest form is available at http://tinyurl.com/lasdhousing. For additional information contact Erin Green, LASD Director of Student and Staff Services at egreen@lasdschools.org or (650) 947-1150.
About Los Altos School District
Los Altos School District operates seven elementary and two junior high schools and is a top-rated school district in the State of California. LASD serves 4,700 K-8 students from portions of Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View and Palo Alto. All nine schools in the district have been California Distinguished Schools and/or National Blue Ribbon Schools. LASD is nationally recognized for its many educational innovations and awards. To learn more, visit http://www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/
About Los Altos Community Foundation
Founded in 1991, Los Altos Community Foundation (LACF) enables residents, private foundations, and businesses to strengthen the community through local philanthropy and civic engagement. The Foundation, its donors, and volunteers, provide grants and scholarships, operate leadership and community-building programs, incubate “startup” nonprofits, offer donor-directed charitable funds, and convene groups to solve community issues. LACF manages local re-granting programs for the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Heising-Simons Foundation. Since its inception, the Foundation has granted over $10 million to our local community. For more information, visit www.losaltoscf.org
LASD CONTACT: Erin Green, Director of Ed Services
(650) 947-1150| egreen@lasdschools.org | http://www.losaltos.k12.ca.us/
LACF CONTACT: Anna Weldon, Director of Communications
(650) 949-5908| anna.weldon@losaltoscf.org| www.losaltoscf.org