LTTE: Teachers could make use of Coffin School

To the editor:

Dear Members of the Marblehead Housing Board,

A thriving teacher community is more than an educational asset — it’s the heartbeat of a desirable town. When educators live locally, they become deeply woven into the fabric of civic life: volunteering at events, mentoring beyond the classroom, and fostering relationships that strengthen social cohesion. Happy, engaged teachers create vibrant schools, and vibrant schools attract families who value stability and excellence. This ripple effect enhances neighborhood pride, boosts property values, and positions Marblehead as a town where education and community flourish together.

I’m advocating for an affordable housing initiative dedicated to teachers employed in Marblehead’s public and charter schools. Retaining top educators sustains school performance — which, in turn, supports neighborhood desirability and long‑term property values.

Local evidence (Marblehead, MA)

Home values & sales: Typical home value ≈ $1,015,308 (+2.1% YoY, Oct 2025). Median sale price ≈ $892,500 (Sep 2025, −12.6% YoY), sale‑to‑list ≈ 100.3%, ~22–23 days on market.
School performance: Marblehead consistently outperforms state averages and remains competitive with top-tier districts.

School Performance Trend vs. Comparable Districts (2022–2024)

District	ELA % Meeting/Exceeding	Math % Meeting/Exceeding	Science % Meeting/Exceeding	Accountability (2024)
Marblehead	2022: ~57% → 2023: 65% → 2024: 60% (+18 pts above state avg)	2022: ~47% → 2023: 64% → 2024: 61% (+21 pts above state avg)	2022: ~53% → 2023: 62% → 2024: ~61%	Not requiring assistance; substantial progress
Swampscott	Above state; moderate progress	Similar trend; moderate progress	Slight gains; moderate progress	Not requiring assistance
Beverly	Above state; steady recovery	Strong growth in grades 4–5	Science trending upward	Not requiring assistance
Danvers	Gains in grades 3–5; flat in middle grades	Math strong in grades 4–5; weaker in 6–8	Science above state in grades 8 & 10	Not requiring assistance
Hamilton-Wenham	Consistently high; recognized for achievement	Strong math performance	Science above state	Meeting/exceeding targets
Lynnfield	2024 ELA: 61% vs. 39% state	Math: 77% vs. 48% state	Science: 76% vs. 49% state	Substantial progress
Manchester-Essex	High performance; School of Recognition	Strong math trend	Science above state	Meeting/exceeding targets

Added Benefit: Beyond Housing — Creating a Professional Ecosystem

By creating a dedicated housing environment for teachers, developers can go beyond affordability and design spaces that empower educators to excel in their profession. Examples include:

Collaborative Learning Lounges: Shared spaces for lesson planning, peer workshops, and idea exchange.
Professional Development Hubs: Tech-enabled rooms for virtual training, certification prep, and continuing education.
Resource Libraries & Innovation Labs: Access to teaching materials, STEM kits, and AI tools for curriculum design.
Quiet Study Pods: Private areas for grading and research without distractions.
Wellness & Recharge Zones: Yoga rooms, mindfulness spaces, and fitness areas to support mental health.
Community Engagement Rooms: Spaces for parent-teacher meetings and student showcases to strengthen family-school ties.
Shared Childcare Facilities: On-site childcare for teachers with young families, reducing stress and commute complexity.
Outdoor Collaboration Areas: Gardens or patios designed for informal brainstorming and team-building activities.

Why this matters: Teaching is a demanding profession requiring continuous learning, creativity, and emotional resilience. Providing career-specific amenities within housing fosters collaboration, reduces isolation, and enhances job satisfaction—key factors in retaining top talent. When teachers thrive professionally and personally, schools perform better, and property values remain strong.

Eligibility for this housing (proposed)