Dear Durango School District Staff and Families,
Our hearts are with every member of our community affected by the flooding of the past several days.
Some of you have been evacuated from your homes. Some of you are facing damaged roads, lost power, flooded basements, and the hard work of cleanup. Many of you have spent these days checking on neighbors, opening your homes, and helping others. Whatever this week has looked like for you, please know that you are not alone, and that your school community is here for you.
In moments like this, we see the very best of who we are. Thank you to the first responders, road crews, volunteers, and staff members who have worked around the clock to keep people safe. Your care for one another is what makes this place home.
Health, safety, and assistance
La Plata County has created one place for the most current flood information, including health and safety guidance, road closures, evacuation updates, temporary housing, and other assistance and resources: La Plata County 2026 flood information
A few resources from the county site that may help right away:
- Life-threatening emergencies: Call 9-1-1.
- County emergency call center (questions or help, including water entering a home): 970-385-8700.
- Emergency shelter: La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Avenue, Durango
- Temporary emergency housing: Dial 2-1-1 or 866-760-6489 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
- Help with cleanup: Crisis Clean Up can connect residents with volunteers who may assist with flood cleanup, including removing debris, trees, and fences. Call 970-283-7325 to register.
- Bottled water and free cleanup kits: Extension Building at the La Plata County Fairgrounds during regular business hours.
- Evacuation maps and alerts: readylaplata.org
Please stay out of floodwater, which may carry sewage and other contaminants, and remind children not to play in or near flooded areas. Never drive through standing or moving water or around a barricade.
School will be in session tomorrow
All schools will be open tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 4.
For many of our students, being at school, with familiar routines, caring adults, and their friends, brings comfort and stability during a difficult time. Counselors at each school will be available to meet with any student who needs someone to talk with, and all of our staff will be watching for students who may need extra care.
Your family's safety comes first. We know some families are still unable to leave their homes because of road closures or damage, and others have had to leave our community for now. If that is your situation, please do not worry about school.
Stay safe, and let your school know when you can so we can support your child and help them stay connected until they are able to return. For everyone traveling tomorrow, please allow extra time, avoid closed roads, and watch for updates from the district and your school about any changes to bus routes or schedules.
If your family has been displaced or is in need, please reach out to your school principal or counselor. We want to know how we can help, and we will work with you to connect you with resources.
We will get through this together, as we always do: by looking after one another. Please take care of yourselves, check on your neighbors, and hold close the people you love.
With care and gratitude,
Karen Cheser, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Durango School District