We often hear that schools are in crisis. But here’s what I see: students who adapt, teachers who show up every day with heart and a community that continues to believe in the power of public education. That’s not failure. That’s resilience.
In August, Miller Middle School students who were ready to move into a new school were abruptly displaced by a suspicious fire. Within a few weeks, they were relocated to Durango High School – a massive logistical feat involving makeshift classrooms, a complicated drop-off plan, and multiple spreadsheets of bells, buses and lunches. But what could have been a disaster became an unlikely success story. Students and staff members from two different schools shared hallways, formed new friendships and made it work. That’s what resilience looks like. It is quiet moments of flexibility and grace.
End-of-year education celebrations
Tuesday, May 20, 4:15-5:30 p.m. at Escalante Middle School: The public is invited to a Celebration Of Learning, featuring: student demonstrations of Portrait of a Graduate skills, woodworking demonstration, student-prepared free meal, Sumo bots competition, track relay exhibition, and choir and orchestra performances.
Thursday, May 22, 5:30-7 p.m. at Rotary Park: Big Picture High School Graduation. View the event livestream: https://www.facebook.com/Durango9R.
Friday, May 23, 6-8 p.m. at Durango High School stadium: Durango High School Graduation. View the event livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@dhsmedianetwork.
This year, Durango School District 9-R students outperformed the state average in several key academic areas. This month, four of our elementary schools were awarded the Colorado Department of Education’s Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award (Fort Lewis Mesa, Needham, Animas Valley and Park) for exceptional academic growth; and the John Irwin Award was given to Fort Lewis Elementary School for exceptional academic achievement.
Academic excellence doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of our long-term investment in research-based reading instruction, evidence-based math curriculum and student-centered learning. While national headlines push a narrative of learning loss and failing schools, Durango is proving otherwise.
We’re also facing financial challenges. Like all districts in Colorado, we’re navigating budget shortfalls. Conversations about money aren’t easy, but they’re honest, transparent and grounded in our shared values. Public education isn’t a corporation – it’s a community. And communities don’t grow stronger by avoiding hard truths. They grow stronger by facing them together.
And yes, we’ve weathered political pressures. Across the country, public schools have become flashpoints in broader cultural debates. In Durango, we’ve stayed focused on what matters most: creating a learning environment where every student feels seen, supported and safe. Even as public rhetoric intensifies, our staff continues the real work of supporting the success of all students through professional learning, community partnerships and authentic connection. That’s not political. That’s human.
A national consultant recently visited our board of education meeting and described Durango as a “gold standard” in public education. He named three Cs: character, courage and commitment. Those words stuck with me. They describe our students, our teachers, our leaders and the future we’re building together.
As we wrap up the school year, I invite you to see the bigger picture, and to be part of it. Whether you’re a parent, a neighbor, a retiree or a business owner, our schools need your voice, your partnership and your belief. Volunteer. Mentor. Say thank you to a teacher. Support school programs. Or simply share a story that reminds others of what’s working.
Karla Sluis is public information officer for Durango School District 9-R. Reach her at ksluis@durangoschools.org.
