Douglas County School District grapples with sta shortages

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Douglas County School District is starting the school year down hundreds of sta , from teachers to bus drivers, because of a lack of competitive pay.

Compared to surrounding districts of similar size, Douglas County o ers some of the lowest salaries and hourly wages for teachers, education assistants and bus drivers, though not for a lack of appreciation.

School districts received an 8% funding increase from the state for the 2023-24 school year, but Douglas County lags behind in o ering competitive salaries and wages because of