Is Durango School District (DSD) losing federal funding this year?
Yes. In June 2025, the district lost $122,113 in a combination of state and federal funding for Title I services and programs. As of mid-July, for the 2025-26 school year, we are also anticipating a shortfall of $222,282 for Title II, III, and IV services and programs. This is due to late and unexpectedly withheld federal funds that had already been included in the district’s 2025-26 budget. The federal Title programs under the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act provide extra funding to public schools to support students who need it most – such as those from low-income families, English learners, or those needing academic or emotional support.
What programs in Durango may be affected?
We are working to minimize disruptions and protect services for our students. The key impacts on our district’s 2025-26 allocations are:
- Title I Allocation: $122,113 lost, supports students from low-income or at-risk backgrounds. It provides supplemental academic programs and services to help close achievement gaps, such as: small-group instruction, tutoring in reading and math, hiring extra teachers or paraprofessionals, after-school/summer interventions, family engagement activities, and classroom materials and technology.
- Title II Allocation: $138,792 withheld, impacting professional development and support for teachers and leaders
- Title III English Language Learner (ELL) Allocation: $21,464 withheld, affecting language instruction and academic support for English learners
- Title IV-A Allocation: $62,026 withheld, impacting well-rounded education, safe and healthy schools, and technology supports for all students
Will there be cuts to district staffing or programs?
We are already operating under a leaner budget for 2025-26. However, as of July 2025, we have not implemented layoffs directly related to federal actions. We are focused on prioritizing student-facing roles and making thoughtful choices that preserve learning opportunities.
The district is carefully reviewing expenses and prioritizing spending that directly supports students. This includes keeping administrative costs low and protecting classroom resources. Every department has already cut 10% from its budget. Each school has reduced its discretionary budget by 5%. We’re leaving several recently vacated positions unfilled until we know more. Federal cuts may also result in slightly increased class sizes, depending on each school’s enrollment.
What’s happening with the new federal voucher program?
Our public schools welcome and support every child who walks through our doors. As of July 15, 2025, Colorado has not joined the new federal voucher program, but we’re staying up to date and focused on making sure Durango families know about their public school choices – and the strong education we provide.
If Colorado does join the program, some federal money that now goes to public schools could instead go to private or charter schools. That could mean fewer resources for students in our district.
What should families and staff know moving forward?
Our community values strong public schools – and so do we. Even in the face of reduced funding and national uncertainty, we remain focused on what matters most: creating safe, welcoming classrooms; supporting our incredible educators; and making thoughtful, student-centered decisions.
We’ve weathered challenges before, and we’ll keep moving forward together. Our commitment to students hasn’t changed, and neither has our belief in what’s possible when a community comes together to support public education.
How can families help or stay informed?
We encourage families to stay connected by reading district newsletters (subscribe to Community Update here), following updates on our website and social media, and asking questions when they arise (email [email protected]). Public education is a shared responsibility. We’re grateful for a community that believes in supporting our schools – especially in challenging times.