The Douglas County School Board put its support behind an affordable housing project Tuesday that would prioritize applications from public school employees. 

The board voted unanimously to declare a county-owned parcel surplus property and approved a letter supporting a rezoning that will go before Douglas County commissioners. 

“I think the housing initiative is a good one for us, but that’s a decision for the county commissioners,” Board member Brad Geiger said.

The property, located in Meridian Village, had been designated for an elementary school once the surrounding area reached 50% development, officials said. But Meridian Village is now fully built out, and district officials said there is no current or future need for a school at the site. 

Geiger said the district’s long-term planning committee supported the proposal, noting another nearby elementary school is expected to open in 2027.

“They are simply not projecting substantial student growth in that area,” Geiger said.

Shea Properties first presented development options for the vacant site to the board in January, which included single-family homes, commercial lots or rental units. 

“The one that appeared to be the most interesting to the school board was our ability to provide affordable housing with a preference for public school district employees,” Shea Senior Vice President of Operations Eric Hecox said. “Although you’re not making a decision about land use today, we do encourage you that if this is an option that you would like to see happen, that you also authorize providing a letter of support to this effect.” 

The developer said the units would have “preference for public school employees,” which, under Colorado legislation, would not violate fair housing laws.

Shea Properties owns multiple affordable housing units in the region. Hecox said they plan to continue engaging nearby residents ahead of a final decision by county commissioners.