The survey, conducted in February, found that over 200 educators have expressed interest in workforce housing – a significant increase of more than 100 educators since the last survey in 2022. These findings demonstrate how the rising cost of living in the Durango area is directly impacting teacher retention and well-being.
Key findings include:
- 69% of interested educators said they would stay in the district longer if they had access to workforce housing.
- 46% reported that housing instability negatively affects their attitude at work.
- 57% said they would be likely to leave if another district offered workforce housing.
The highest demand comes from younger employees, single employees, and single parents.
“These results are higher than we predicted, and they reaffirm why housing was included in the 2024 bond. Now we’re looking to stretch our dollars to support as many staff members as possible,” said Chris Coleman, DSD Chief Operations Officer. “This is about retaining great educators and making it possible for them to build their lives here in Durango.”
The district has allocated $20 million to workforce housing out of the $150 million 2024 Investing in Our Schools Bond, which was approved by La Plata County voters in November 2024.
With the survey findings in hand, DSD is moving forward with its housing initiative and taking the first steps to maximize bond dollars. The district has hired a housing consultant and is exploring potential partnerships with the city, developers, and the state.
Community members have offered to support DSD with partnerships, land acquisitions and swaps. Coleman said he is open to meeting with stakeholders who are interested in working with the district on housing.
“We alone can’t solve the affordable housing problem in this community; but we are doing our part,” said Coleman. “We are collaborating with other agencies and taking action to support as many people as possible.”