Andy Kopp, a Navy veteran, former San Diego chapter director of the Truman National Security Project, and advocate for policies that advance the public good, is calling attention to the importance of stable and affordable housing for students’ educational success. Drawing comparisons between the highly regarded Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school system and other public education systems in the United States, Kopp highlights the role housing security plays in academic achievement.
The DoDEA, responsible for educating nearly 70,000 children of active duty and civilian families on military installations, stands out for its consistent performance and improvement in reading and math scores despite challenges faced by other state education systems. Kopp emphasizes the impact of stable access to affordable housing on students’ educational outcomes, citing research that links housing insecurity to a variety of behavioral and mental health issues that hinder learning.
In San Diego, where housing insecurity is a prevalent issue, Kopp calls on city officials to make serious investments in affordable housing production to support students and families. He notes that while the school district operates independently, city government support is crucial in creating an environment that fosters academic success.
By advocating for the passage of Measure E, a sales tax increase that could generate significant revenue for affordable housing initiatives, Kopp believes the city can take a step towards meeting the expectations set by previous ballot measures. Ultimately, he argues that investing in stable and affordable housing is essential in creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, which can help San Diego Unified School District maintain its reputation as one of the best urban districts in the nation.
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Photo credit voiceofsandiego.org