2024 Investing In Our Schools Bond » 2024 Investing In Our Schools Bond

2024 Investing In Our Schools Bond

investing in our schools postcard

Great news for La Plata County! On Nov. 5, 2024, Durango School District Ballot Issue 4A passed by a large margin. This bond will bring much-needed improvements to our schools, enhancing facilities, safety, and learning environments for all students. Thank you to our community for your support and commitment to quality education. We’re excited to move forward together!

2024 Bond Logo

Bond mission statement

Supporting the 2024 Investing in Our Schools Bond means supporting the dreams of every student, with world-class learning spaces, forward-thinking solutions, and a commitment to the educators who make it all possible.

Bond 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. The $150 million bond measure will increase taxes around $14 per month for a home valued at $500,000. Bond projects include:

  • Deferred maintenance: Replacing aging infrastructure like boilers, roofs, plumbing, and electrical systems

  • New construction: A brand-new elementary school in Three Springs to replace Florida Mesa Elementary School

  • Sustainability: Water-saving plumbing

  • Furniture and equipment: Updating outdated classroom furniture and instructional tools

  • Workforce housing: Exploring affordable housing options to help retain teachers and staff

  • Eliminate leased facilities: Finding options for land/property ownership vs. rental spaces for custodial, facilities and technology departments 

  • School planning: Developing a long-term school replacement and modernization strategy

  • Renovate Escalante Middle School: Renovations to include learning space upgrades to create a more conducive learning environment such as more natural lighting, updates to flooring/paint and more

  • Conversion of the Florida Mesa Campus: Determine use for and plan conversion of Florida Mesa campus once the new Three Springs Elementary school is opened

Draft timeline for new school at Three Springs 

  • Design Start – Spring 2025
  • Design Finish – Spring 2026
  • Construction Start – Summer 2026
  • Construction Finish – Winter 2027/28
  • Furniture, Commissioning, Training Finish – Spring 2028
  • Move-In – Summer 2028
Infographic on the bond not being used for salaries

2024 Investing In Our Schools Bond

October 2025 bond update: Projects advance as new school, housing, and facility plans take shape

Here's what's new in bond program planning since our August 2025 update.

First Look: See designs of future Three Springs elementary school Nov. 6

Durango School District (DSD, formerly known as 9-R) is inviting the public to get an early look at the designs for the new elementary school planned for the Three Springs neighborhood.

District finalizes purchase of 35 apartments to support workforce housing

We are thrilled to share exciting news — the district has officially closed on 35 apartment units at the Lightner Creek Village Apartments in Durango as of Oct. 8.

District announces plan to purchase Lightner Creek Apartments for staff housing

Durango School District (DSD, formerly known as 9-R) announced Sept. 23, 2025, during its regular Board of Education meeting that it plans to purchase the Lightner Creek Apartment complex in Durango to provide affordable housing for district staff. The district anticipates closing on the property by October 30.

District purchases warehouse to eliminate final leased facility

Why are we excited about our new warehouse? Because it’s a smart investment in Durango School District’s future. It's also part of our promise to La Plata County voters, who passed the 2024 Investing in Our Schools Bond.

August 2025 bond update: District outlines 2025–28 projects, names GC for Three Springs school

Here's what's new in bond program planning since our summer 2025 update.

June 2025 bond update: A busy summer of big moves and bold plans

From new schools to sustainable upgrades, the 2024 Investing in Our Schools Bond is picking up steam across the district. Since our last update in April, key planning milestones are shaping the future of learning in Durango – including progress on the new Three Springs Elementary, long-range facility plans, and early steps toward workforce housing.

April 2025 bond update: District advances bond work with key planning milestones and project launches

Since March, Durango School District has made significant progress on the 2024 Investing in Our Schools Bond program, establishing oversight committees, selecting architects for the new elementary school, advancing planning and scheduling, and initiating early phases of construction and maintenance projects.

March 2025 Bond Update: Survey highlights urgent need for staff housing

A staff survey conducted by Durango School District (DSD) in February confirms a growing need for workforce housing among educators and support staff.

February 2025 Bond Update: Bond kicks off with big ideas and a galloping start

Durango School District (DSD) officially launched the 2024 Investing in Our Schools Bond with a high-energy event at Florida Mesa Elementary School (FMES) on Feb. 25, setting the stage for three years of transformative improvements across all of the district's schools.
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