Partner With DSD: Staff Perks Program
Durango School District relies on strong local partnerships to help our schools and community thrive. Through our DSD CARES initiative — Community Appreciation and Recognition for Employee Support — local business owners can show appreciation for the dedicated educators and support staff who serve Durango students every day.
By joining our Staff Perks discount directory, your business can offer ongoing savings to more than 1,100 district employees across La Plata County. Participation is completely voluntary, simple to set up, and free for local businesses.
How the program works for businesses
We keep our staff discount directory structured, transparent, and easy to navigate. Here is how your business can participate:
- Ongoing Discount Structure: Offers must be standing, percentage-off discounts or reduced employee rates that remain active for an entire year — from August 19 of one year to August 18 of the following year.
- Equal Staff Access: Discounts must be available to all district employees, including full-time, part-time, temporary, and substitute team members.
- Simple In-Person Redemption: Employees must be able to present their official district ID badge at checkout to receive your discount.
- Neutral Directory Listings: Approved businesses will appear in an alphabetical, text-based directory hosted on our internal staff web portal.
Program eligibility
To protect our staff and ensure full compliance with state ethics laws, the district maintains clear guidelines for all listed offers:
- Permitted Discount Offers: We accept percentage-off discounts (e.g., 10% off purchases) or standing employee rates.
- Prohibited Gift Offers: We cannot list free items, "buy-one-get-one" deals, complimentary services, or one-time promotional discounts.
- Local Business Requirement: Participating businesses must be located within Southwest Colorado.
- Vendor Operations Note: Participation is open to local commercial businesses. Current district vendors or businesses actively bidding on district contracts must undergo additional administrative review to prevent conflicts of interest.
Official District Disclaimer: Inclusion in the Staff Perks discount directory is shared solely as a courtesy to employees. Listing an offer does not constitute an official endorsement, product recommendation, or advertisement by DSD. Participation has no bearing on district purchasing, vendor selection, or contracting decisions.
Business recognition and toolkit
We appreciate local business leaders who invest in our school workforce. Participating businesses in good standing receive:
- Official Digital Badge: Access a "Proud Supporter of Durango School District Staff" digital badge to display on your website or social media channels.
- Collective Recognition: The DSD Communications Department periodically acknowledges participating business partners through district communication channels, including on social media.
Frequently asked questions
Can I offer a short-term or seasonal discount?
Can I restrict my discount to classroom teachers only?
Does the district charge a fee to list my business?
How long does the administrative approval process take?
My discount has changed. How do I request an update to my listing on the internal Staff Perks discount directory?
I need additional assistance. Whom should I contact?