The Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) Board of Education has approved a resolution to purchase more employee housing units in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Basalt. The resolution authorizes the district to spend up to $10 million from its capital reserve fund to acquire additional staff housing properties.
RFSD staff housing program aims to address affordability crisis
The RFSD staff housing program was launched in 2015, after voters approved a $122 million bond for capital construction, improvements and upgrades. Out of that amount, $15 million was allocated to purchase 66 rental housing units in the three communities served by the district. The staff housing program is part of the district’s effort to make living in the Roaring Fork Valley more affordable for its teachers and other staff members. These rental units, limited to five years in term, are intended to provide employees a bridge to permanent housing as the affordable nature will allow staff to save money for future home purchases.
According to the RFSD staff housing guidelines, the district will use available employee housing to best serve the district and strive to balance the need for recruitment and retention. Employees of the district will be notified of available units for rent as soon as possible. The district will rank applicants based on criteria such as years of service, family size, income and special circumstances. The district will also consider the location of the employee’s work site and the availability of public transportation.
RFSD board approves resolution to purchase more employee housing units
On February 8, 2024, the RFSD Board of Education passed a resolution to purchase more employee housing units in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Basalt. The resolution authorizes the district to spend up to $10 million from its capital reserve fund to acquire additional staff housing properties. The resolution also directs the district administration to negotiate and execute contracts for the purchase of the properties, subject to board approval.
The resolution states that the district has identified several properties that are suitable for employee housing and that are available for purchase at reasonable prices. The resolution also states that the district has sufficient funds in its capital reserve fund to cover the cost of the purchase and that the purchase will not affect the district’s ability to meet its debt obligations or its operational needs.
The resolution was passed unanimously by the board, with board members expressing their support for the staff housing program and its benefits for the district and the community. Board President Jen Rupert said that the staff housing program is a “critical piece” of the district’s strategy to attract and retain quality staff. She also said that the program helps the district to be a “good neighbor” and a “good partner” in the valley. Board Vice President Karl Hanlon said that the staff housing program is a “win-win” situation for the district and the staff. He also said that the program is a “smart investment” that will pay off in the long run.
RFSD staff and community members react to the resolution
The resolution to purchase more employee housing units was welcomed by RFSD staff and community members, who praised the district for its commitment to addressing the housing affordability crisis in the valley. RFSD staff members said that the staff housing program has helped them to live closer to their work sites, reduce their commute time and expenses, and improve their quality of life. They also said that the staff housing program has increased their loyalty and satisfaction with the district and their profession.
Community members said that the staff housing program has benefited the valley by providing more housing options for local workers, reducing traffic congestion and pollution, and enhancing the diversity and vitality of the neighborhoods. They also said that the staff housing program has strengthened the relationship between the district and the community and has demonstrated the district’s leadership and vision.
