Teacher housing complex close to reality in AISD

Austin ISD is one step closer to adding work force housing to a property they have been eyeing for years.

Austin's planning commission agreed and approved a rezoning request for the Anita Ferrales Coy site in East Austin recently, which could mean reduced rent prices for AISD employees who live at the site.

"The board of trustees, back in 2022 approved the selection of the NRP Group as our development partner to build workforce housing on the Coy Campus," said Jeremy Striffler, AISD director of real estate.

At the moment the Anita Ferrales Coy site houses an alternative learning center for the district.

"The city of Austin staff recommended that both get approved and as of this past Tuesday night the planning commission agreed with that and approved the rezoning request and the neighborhood plan amendment and so our next step is to go in front of the city council," said Striffler.

If approved by the Austin City Council, crews could break ground on the complex and the modernization of the school sometime in 2025.

"We are adding what will likely be two apartment buildings on to the site plus a brand new school building (If approved)," said Striffler.

For 21 years, Mardi Nott has been teaching in Austin ISD.

"It is a lot of fun I can't emphasis that enough," said Nott, when asked about teaching.

"A lot of what has kept me here is the community," said Nott.

While Nott lives in a studio apartment in Brentwood, which is close to where she teaches, many teachers live outside Austin.

Some teachers like Nott receive a discount for living in certain apartments, but it can be hard to find an affordable place.

"We know we have 116 campuses and we want to make sure that there is housing nearby all those campuses so our employees can live in the communities they serve," said Striffler.

Nott says she is all for ways to help teachers live in the communities they serve.

"I think it is a step in the right direction," said Nott. "Especially when you are just starting out. I think we (AISD) would attract more teachers if we were able to give them more affordable housing."