Monterey Peninsula Unified School District speaks on potential bond for affordable housing for teachers

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) - Teachers working for the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District could receive some help with housing.

The district is proposing a new bond, if voted on, could be on the November 2024 ballot.

The cost of housing on the Central Coast could make it hard for people with just about any profession to afford.

But a staff housing bond could be on a future ballot to help teachers with affordable housing.

The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District discussed this project if voters were to approve.

"Providing strong core academic programs, attracting and retaining high-quality teachers," said Dr. P.K. Diffenbaugh, MPUSD Superintendent said. "Preparing students for college and careers were the top priorities."

The bond would cost $75 million dollars.

According to a district poll, initial support for the bond is above the threshold needed for passage. They would need 55% of voters.

According to the polls, about 60% would most likely vote on it.

"The question that was read to the individuals taking the poll," said Diffenbaugh. "So, There is support, at least at this time."

Despite the optimism, the district says there's still a chance a faculty housing bond could fail.

"It goes down from 68% to 59%, or for the like in March of 2020 for voters, goes down, to the 55% threshold," said Diffenbaugh.

The school district has until August 2024 to make a decision.