Durango School District 9-R and the Long-Range Planning Committee
Durango School District 9-R is an innovative educational system committed to excellence. The district ensures that each student develops the skills and attributes for lifelong learning and has the ability to compete and contribute in the global community by guaranteeing equitable educational opportunities in a safe and healthy environment.
As the district focuses on providing the optimal learning environment that is safe, modernized for today’s student needs, and geared toward our Portrait-of-a-Graduate vision, input from community stakeholders is vital. The 9-R Board of Education has convened the Long-Range Planning Committee to review facilities and plan for future renovations and new constructions.
This committee, which includes district employees, community members, and business representatives, has met for over a year to identify priorities and guide the district on critical issues.
What are the priorities?
The district is focusing on addressing aging facilities and the community's identified needs for learning outcomes. While the Long-Range Planning Committee identified nearly $250 million in needs, the district is using a phased approach to begin addressing these needs. On August 27, a $150 million bond measure was referred to the November ballot, and voters will be asked to address funding priorities this November, which increase taxes around $14 per month for a home valued at $500,000.
Learn more about Durango School District 9-R’s needs and the 2024 4A Bond on the ballot this November.
- Old Schools: Many schools in the district are aging and require significant repairs.
- New School Plans: A new school is planned for Three Springs, replacing Florida Mesa Elementary School.
- Employee Housing: Exploring housing options to support staff living in Durango.
- Maintenance Needs: Addressing overdue repairs, including roofs and plumbing.
- Owning Buildings: Aiming to own properties instead of renting to save costs.
- Save Energy: Plans to install solar panels and LED lights to reduce energy expenses.
- School Updates: Upgrading Escalante Middle School to match the standards of other schools.
- New Furniture: Modern furniture needed to enhance student learning experiences.
- Learning Center: A new SOIL Education Center will enhance career and technical education.
- Bond vs. Mill Levy: Bonds fund building projects only, while a mill levy can increase teacher salaries, though the district cannot request more due to existing limits.