On July 9, 2025, the State Board of Education officially approved NUSD’s waiver application, granting the district flexibility and local control over the development of the San Andreas and Meadow Annex properties. This waiver allows NUSD to proceed without being bound by specific state Surplus Land Act requirements, simplifying efforts to meet the community’s needs.

The City of Novato confirmed that the district’s proposed use of these properties aligns with its General Plan 2035, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development determined that the sites qualify as “exempt surplus land.” These approvals validate our planning approach and provide us with the tools to continue.

With the waiver in place, NUSD is preparing to enter the entitlement phase and to secure approvals to develop properties. The district has completed its initial work, including property review, outreach, and initial coordination with the City. The NUSD Development Subcommittee has drafted a detailed 18- to 26-month entitlement schedule and is preparing an RFP for engaging specialized services to support the next planning phase.

The district has issued a Request for Proposal to hire an Affordable Housing Finance Consultant to assist with financial modeling, grant applications, and lender negotiations—all key components of a responsible and sustainable housing plan.

NUSD is engaging potential partners, including the City of Novato, to review collaboration proposals for the San Andreas parcel. Community Action Marin is discussing participation at the Meadow Annex site, and the Marin County Free Library is exploring the integration of a future library into the Hamilton parcels. These early partnerships underscore our commitment to community-driven development.

Ensuring consistent, high-quality education

Workforce housing isn’t just about affordability—it’s a critical part of what matters most: consistent, high-quality education for students. When employees can live closer to their schools, it reduces turnover, strengthens employee retention, and keeps classrooms staffed with experienced professionals. The more stability we build into our workforce, the more we can deliver on our core mission: student success.