Durango School District Secures $10M Housing for Staff by 2026
BREAKING NEWS: The Durango School District has officially acquired the Lightner Apartments for $10 million, marking a significant step towards addressing critical housing shortages for educators and staff. The purchase, located at 20310 U.S. Highway 160, will provide affordable housing options starting in fall 2026.
This acquisition involves 35 apartments aimed at alleviating recruitment and housing challenges faced by the district, according to spokeswoman Karla Sluis. She emphasized that this is one of the largest school district housing purchases in Colorado by unit count.
Housing costs in Durango have skyrocketed, with average rents for a one-bedroom apartment reaching $1,585—a 3.8% increase over the past year. In stark contrast, preliminary rent estimates for the new staff apartments are expected to be between $700 and $800 per month, significantly undercutting the market average by more than $500, as reported by Apartments.com.
Chief Operations Officer Chris Coleman confirmed the district’s aim to keep rents “significantly below market levels.” This strategic move is part of a broader initiative to enhance employee retention and recruitment, especially given that the average teacher salary in the district is $65,590 for a 183-day contract.
A housing advisory committee has been established to guide the Board of Education on rental rates, qualification criteria, and tenant prioritization, ensuring a fair process. Coleman noted the importance of this initiative, stating, “We understand that salaries and housing are deeply felt issues in our community.”
As part of the transition, current tenants will be allowed to finish their leases, which mostly expire between May and September 2026. For tenants with leases ending before May 31, 2026, extensions will be offered to ease the transition process.
Before the apartments are ready for district staff, planned improvements will include exterior work and interior upgrades such as painting and flooring updates. Coleman expressed gratitude for community input, sharing that over 400 staff members participated in a housing survey, with more than 200 indicating a strong interest in workforce housing.
While this purchase addresses a fraction of the housing needs, it represents a meaningful step forward. “While 35 units won’t meet every need, it is a meaningful start,” Coleman added, highlighting the district’s commitment to improving staff housing conditions.
As the housing crisis in Durango continues to affect educators, this initiative may pave the way for additional solutions in the future. Stay tuned for further updates on how this development unfolds and its impact on the community.
