Members of the Austin ISD community tonight pleaded with the district's trustees to draft a resolution calling for affordable housing to support struggling families on the east side of Austin.

Thirteen speakers advocated for district-supported affordable housing during public comment, including several students. According to speakers, the area near Govalle Elementary School has seen rising housing costs, forcing families out of its attendance zone and displacing students.

Hurricane Katrina survivor and current AISD high school student Angel LaCour recounted the story of her family's eviction from their East Austin apartment following an exorbitant rent spike.

"Even though Austin is not where I was born, it was the only home I've ever known," LaCour said. "I would hate for East Austin students to endure what I had to endure."

East Austin school advocate Vincent Tovar was the first to suggest a resolution calling for two- to three- bedroom units at a monthly rate of $800-$900 to be built on the district-owned Allan Elementary School property, 4900 Gonzalez St., Austin, which was placed on the market by AISD late last year at a minimum bid of $12 million.

"You have the opportunity to curb gentrification," he said.

Foundation Communities submitted a $13 million bid for the property in mid-December. Its proposal included affordable housing comprised of 160 rental apartments and 40 townhomes for purchase.

AISD should show its support for the community school model—an integrated focus on academics, social services and community engagement, according to the district's website—by utilizing the Allan property for affordable housing, said Ken Zarifis, president of Education Austin, the districts' teachers' and employees' union.

"We cannot fix all of the ills of affordability in this city, but this is one way to make a step forward and say we can support our families," he said.

Following public comment, trustee Ann Teich, whose district covers a portion of East Austin, requested the board revisit the use of the Allan property as an affordable housing site.

Trustee Jayme Mathias also expressed his support for district-supported affordable housing.

"We would create a game-changer for our district and our schools," he said.

A resolution addressing affordable housing will be discussed by the board during the October work session, Superintendent Paul Cruz said, with possible board action on the resolution taking place in October or November.