On Monday, November 18, the trustees of the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) are anticipated to cast their votes on a significant proposal to sell 2.3 acres of district land to the ownership group of the Missions baseball team, aimed at facilitating the development of a new stadium downtown.
In an important move for the district, SAISD officials unveiled their recommended terms for the land sale on Wednesday. The proposed counteroffer outlines several critical components, including the construction of a new $45 million building for the Advanced Learning Academy, the establishment of a parking garage to accommodate the Fox Tech campus, annual payments totaling $400,000 over the next 30 years, and an inclusion of a seat for the school superintendent on the board overseeing the tax zone financing the ballpark.
Moreover, SAISD’s proposal emphasizes the necessity of building at least 1,250 units of affordable housing within the district, highlighting the district’s commitment to ensuring that families who struggle financially still have access to quality educational opportunities.
“We believe affordable housing for families with school-aged children is the lifeblood of the school district,” stated SAISD Superintendent Jaime Aquino during an interview on TPR’s The Source. “It also revitalizes our communities in the city and the county, creating a more vibrant and sustainable environment.”
The ownership of the Missions requires the purchase of the 2.3 acres of land to construct their new stadium, which has garnered support from both city and county leaders, who have signed agreements endorsing the development. This project aims to enhance the downtown area and attract more visitors.
SAISD’s proposal also delineates requirements for the affordable housing units, specifying that over 500 of the 1,250 units should contain at least two bedrooms. Furthermore, it recommends that the pricing of the units aligns with federal guidelines; thereby allocating some for households earning up to 60% of San Antonio’s median income, others for those earning up to 50%, and additional units for very low-income households earning as low as 30%.
As the proposal contains vital elements regarding the assurance of the housing’s construction, it is still uncertain who will provide these guarantees or the methodologies for implementing them. These critical points are expected to be solidified during forthcoming negotiations following the board’s vote on the proposed terms.
One of the more contentious issues regarding the stadium development is its potential to displace residents of the Soap Factory Apartments, which offer significantly more affordable living options compared to other downtown alternatives, thereby raising concerns about housing accessibility.
SAISD’s proposal articulates that “reducing affordable and appropriate housing for families in the urban core contributes to the reduction in the number of school-aged children and works against SAISD’s interests.” The leaders are keenly aware of the implications this proposed development may have on their community.
Aquino stated that SAISD had no prior intentions to sell the 2.3 acres used for parking by students and staff before Missions ownership indicated interest in acquiring it. He noted, “This land was not a surplus property. Actually, currently, as we’re sitting here, it is used for parking for our students and staff for the Fox campus—our high school.”
Furthermore, Aquino expressed that SAISD intended to utilize the land for a new campus dedicated to the Advanced Learning Academy, which is currently stretched between two locations due to high demand for spots at the choice school, emphasizing the necessity for a centralized solution.
As the district navigates these significant changes, they are adamant about ensuring that the terms are favorable and align with their broader educational goals. The expected annual payment of $400,000 from the Missions team reflects what they believe to be a fair valuation of the property in the current market.
The trustees will convene to vote on whether to accept or modify Aquino’s proposed terms for the land sale on November 18. Once approved, the administration will engage in negotiations with the relevant stakeholders involved in the stadium project to finalize the deal.
The proposal puts into perspective that the Missions ownership first approached SAISD back in April with intentions to buy the land at its market value, setting off a series of discussions regarding community needs and the potential implications of such a development.
What are the specific benefits that the land sale proposal will bring to the students and families within the SAISD community?
**Interview with SAISD Superintendent Jaime Aquino on the Upcoming Land Sale Proposal**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Superintendent Aquino. The San Antonio Independent School District is poised to make a significant decision regarding the sale of 2.3 acres of land to the ownership group of the Missions baseball team. Can you explain why this proposal is so important for the district?
**Jaime Aquino:** Thank you for having me. This proposal is crucial because it not only allows for the development of a new stadium that will enhance our downtown area and bring more visitors, but it also comes with benefits for our students and families. The construction of a new $45 million building for the Advanced Learning Academy, along with the inclusion of affordable housing units, aligns with our mission to support our community and ensure access to quality education.
**Editor:** Speaking of affordable housing, your proposal includes a commitment to build at least 1,250 units. Can you elaborate on how this will benefit families in SAISD?
**Jaime Aquino:** Absolutely. Affordable housing is vital for families with school-aged children. It ensures they can live and thrive within the district while having access to educational opportunities. Our commitment requires that over 500 of these units have at least two bedrooms and are priced in accordance with federal guidelines. This means we are making housing accessible for families earning from 30% to 60% of San Antonio’s median income, which is essential for a diverse, thriving community.
**Editor:** There are concerns about the potential displacement of residents in the Soap Factory Apartments. How does SAISD plan to address these worries?
**Jaime Aquino:** We understand the community’s concerns about displacement, especially given the importance of affordable housing. Our proposal emphasizes creating stable housing options, and we are committed to engaging with all stakeholders, including current residents, to ensure we address these issues. Our aim is sustainable development that benefits everyone.
**Editor:** How do you see this proposal affecting the overall community and infrastructure in San Antonio?
**Jaime Aquino:** This proposal is designed to revitalize not just the downtown area but also our surrounding communities. By investing in education, housing, and infrastructure, we’re contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable environment that benefits all residents. This approach creates a win-win situation where economic development meets community needs.
**Editor:** Lastly, what will be the next steps following the board’s vote on November 18?
**Jaime Aquino:** After the board’s vote, we will enter negotiations to solidify the terms of the agreement and implementation strategies. It’s important that we ensure housing guarantees and clarity on how we can make these commitments a reality. Our focus remains on transparency and collaboration with all affected parties as we move forward.
**Editor:** Thank you, Superintendent Aquino, for sharing your insights on this important proposal. We look forward to seeing how this unfolds.
**Jaime Aquino:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this pivotal project for our district and community.
