Across from Twin Buttes and alongside Lightner Creek, employees gathered not only to celebrate new homes, but to begin building a new community.
Made possible through the 2024 Investing in Our Schools Bond, the DSD Employee Housing Program is helping recruit and retain the talented educators and staff who serve Durango students every day.
By the end of the summer, 28 Durango School District employees will have moved into Lightner Creek Village Apartments, which is already approximately 80% occupied. The district continues to receive interest from prospective employees, as housing remains one of the greatest challenges for recruiting and retaining staff in Southwest Colorado.
For Riverview Elementary School kindergarten teacher Julianne Fiedler, the opportunity has been life-changing.
“When I saw this amazing workforce housing opportunity, I applied right away,” Fiedler said. “Now I get to live in a one-bedroom in this beautiful area, and I’m just so grateful for this opportunity.”
Fiedler said the affordable rent is giving her financial breathing room for the first time in years.
“Utilities are included, and I’m also paying less, which makes room for groceries and other experiences here in Durango that I haven’t been able to do,” she said. “I’m just so excited that now I get to live somewhere where I have a little extra spending money and can enjoy living here.”
The celebration quickly became more than a welcome event—it became an opportunity for neighbors to connect.
Two staff members discovered they had moved in next door to one another. A father and son shared plans to transform their rented garage into a playroom and “man cave” while looking forward to exploring the nearby Twin Buttes trail system. Another resident, a Durango High School teacher, introduced his dog to new neighbors and was excited to live in a pet-friendly community. Residents also swapped stories about a recent bear sighting near the community trash enclosure—a reminder that mountain living comes with its own adventures.
The apartment community’s property manager visited with residents throughout the morning, checking in on each household’s move-in experience and offering assistance with any remaining needs.
Riverview Elementary School special education instructional paraprofessional Brayden Clare said the community atmosphere has been one of the biggest highlights of living at Lightner Creek Village.
“It’s an expensive town, so being able to afford housing is really nice,” Clare said. “We have teachers for neighbors, everyone seems very nice, and we have a little community starting.”
Each event attendee received a Move-In Care Package filled with household essentials, including cleaning supplies, tissues and a small plant to help make their new apartment feel like home. Residents also had the opportunity to win prizes donated by generous local businesses.
Durango School District extends its sincere appreciation to Artesanos, There’s No Place Like Home and Durango Treasures for donating gifts that helped make the celebration even more special.
The DSD Employee Housing Program represents an important milestone in the district’s commitment to supporting employees beyond the classroom. By providing stable, affordable housing close to schools and downtown Durango, the district is addressing one of the greatest barriers to attracting and retaining exceptional educators and staff.
“I was so happy to hear from many of the tenants that the experience has been good and they are enjoying their living situation,” said Chris Coleman, Chief Operations Officer for Durango School District. “That, truly, is what we hoped this program would do for people.”
As the first residents settle into their new homes, the district looks forward to watching a new community take shape—one built not only on affordable housing, but on connection, belonging and a shared commitment to serving Durango students.