Windsor Unified School District Announces Innovative Partnership For Creation of Teacher Housing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 22, 2024

Windsor Unified School District Announces Innovative Partnership For Creation of Teacher Housing

PRESS RELEASE 

Windsor, Calif.—Windsor Unified School District (WUSD) is pleased to announce that following board approval at their regular meeting on Thursday, August 22, 2024, WUSD has entered into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Gallaher Community Housing, Inc. to convert the site of the former Windsor Creek Elementary School into much-needed local housing. The studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units planned for the site will provide below market rate housing for some of our most valuable community members, our teachers and other school staff. 

“It’s no secret that housing is an ongoing issue in Sonoma County,” said WUSD Superintendent Jeremy Decker. “And like most local institutions, we have found it has been a stumbling block to attracting and retaining top talent. The plans put together by Gallaher Community Housing will provide an exceptional community, within walking distance of the heart of Windsor — the Town Green and downtown — allowing our staff to work and live in the community they serve.”

While the ENA has been approved, there are several logistical steps left before the deal is finalized and construction begins. The ENA sets the negotiated parameters for a development agreement for the property. While approved, the ENA is an initial step in the development process as there are several steps before a finalized deal and construction begins. Details within the negotiating agreement will be decided during the period set forth by the ENA.

The ENA reveals several goals for the project, including construction of 368 units in total creating affordable housing for the WUSD community. Beyond the apartment homes, the vision for the development proposes extensive community benefits such as resident parks, play areas, pet parks, walking trails, and fitness facilities. A final agreement will provide much needed housing for WUSD staff and provide both short- and long-term financial benefits to the District. Units will also be available to the rest of the Windsor community, based on availability.

Windsor Creek was built in 1951 and was shuttered by the District in 2019, after falling enrollment and the need for extensive repairs — including significant asbestos mediation — and updating made it cost-prohibitive to operate. The facility has sat vacant ever since, though recent enrollment increases have led to speculation about future use for the space as WUSD is simultaneously hoping to build a new school on a separate site.  

“We’re fortunate to be working with such an experienced local developer, who shares our vision for what this project can be,” Decker said. “We knew this land was far more valuable for needed housing than it could be as a school site, but we also wanted to make sure we were upholding the public’s trust in the best use of District facilities. Windsor Creek served faithfully as a school site for many decades, but now its highest good is as housing for our school district employees.” 

“Gallaher Community Housing is excited about the prospects of developing much needed housing on this property and in the Town of Windsor. While early in the process, our development vision is premised on designing and building a project that creates a sense of community for all residents,” said Gallaher Community Housing CEO Efren Carrillo. 

For more information, or to set up an interview with members of WUSD, please contact Heather Bailey, Coordinator of District Communications, Windsor Unified School District, at 707-837-7700 ext. 10022 or hbailey@wusd.org. 

###