District News

Animas Valley Elementary School has full-day preschool openings for children who will be 3 years old by Sept. 1. Needham Elementary School also has half-day preschool openings for 4 year olds.

It’s time to register your student(s) for school. Both new and existing students need to be registered. Please register for the 2025-26 school year as soon as possible to ensure appropriate access and resources for you and your student at your preferred school.

Like many school districts across the country, we’re feeling the impact of unexpected federal funding delays and reductions this year. While this creates some challenges, we want families to know we’re planning carefully and keeping our focus where it belongs – on students. The FAQs below explain what’s happening, what it means for our schools, and how we’re working to protect learning and support. We’ve been through tough times before, and together, we’ll get through this too.

What does “9-R” mean, anyway? If you’ve ever asked that question, you’re not alone. The term has been a part of our district’s name since the 1950s, but few people today know what it stands for. The “9” was our assigned number among districts across Colorado, and the “R” stands for “Reorganized.”

Getting the right school supplies for your elementary or middle school student helps set them up for success in the new school year. Find your school's name on our list to see the supplies needed.

All meals will remain free for all students through at least December 2025. Families are asked to complete a Free & Reduced Price Meal application, as these forms help the district qualify for additional funding, and your student may also qualify for fee waivers or other support.

If your student plans to ride the bus this fall, here's what you need to know.

Please join Durango School District Board of Education Directors Kristin Smith and Katie Stewart for a School Board Candidate Information Session on Friday, Aug. 8, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Impact Career Innovation Center (Durango High School campus, 2410 Main Ave.).

On June 24 the Board of Education approved the finalized 2024-25 Negotiated Compensation Agreement for both the Durango Education Association (DEA) and the Durango Education Support Professionals Association (DESPA).

Transparent, inclusive elections ensure diverse perspectives are represented and help maintain trust in our school leadership. By publicizing this process early and clearly, we encourage informed, engaged candidates – and empower voters to shape the future of our schools.