This Arizona bill would turn unused school buildings into affordable housing for teachers

One of Arizona’s state senators wants to allow school buildings to be turned into housing for teachers and other critical workers.

Republican state Sen. John Kavanagh’s SB 1080 would allow school districts to partner with private entities to sell or lease their buildings or land for "affordable housing for critical workforce sectors.''

The idea comes as many Arizona school districts are closing campuses due to declines in student enrollment. Kavanagh said there's no reason they can’t be repurposed.

“They're converting office buildings now to residential," Kavanagh said. "There was a time when people said they could never do that because only the core of the buildings had plumbing and all that stuff, but they’re doing it. So where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

The Tucson Unified School District, for example, lists 15 schools as surplus. While some are being leased to others, like the community college system or charter schools, others are listed for sale.

"It gets them some extra cash, solves workforce problems, and it takes empty buildings off their hands," Kavanagh said. "I mean, it's a win for everybody.''

No date has been set for a hearing on Kavanagh’s measure. The most recent figures from the state Department of Education show total enrollment in traditional public schools at 868,690. That compares with 928,526 five years ago and 962,277 a decade ago.