The Board of Education approved the initial rental rates proposed at the meeting. This project is designed to support staff by offering 35 below-market rental units, with the first move-ins planned for spring and summer 2026.
A Housing Advisory Committee of 16 staff members from across the district helped shape the recommendations presented to the Board. Their work focused on three areas: rental rates, housing policies, and a fair process for assigning units.
Key takeaways include the following:
- A tier system for employees to make rental rates clear and consistent
- A weighted lottery that considers factors like household income, proximity to work, and FTE status
- Standard rental expectations, including annual renewals and reapplying after five years
- Reserving a small number of units for hard-to-fill positions
Proposed rental rates come in well below Durango’s current market averages — saving staff an estimated $7,800 per year on average.
Next steps: DSD will finalize the rules and guidelines and begin sharing details with staff before winter break. The full application process will open in late January/early February.
Thank you to the Housing Advisory Committee for helping us build a program that supports our workforce and strengthens our district’s future.