The History of DFEE
DFEE has been serving the students and teachers of the Durango 9-R School District since its inception in 1984. Though DFEE was established in order to support educational excellence specifically for the students in the district, DFEE operates independently from the Durango School District 9-R as a charitable non-profit organization.
With educational needs ever increasing, DFEE set goals to expand the funding provided for programs in order to meet the expressed needs of teachers, students, and parents in the district. From 2004 to 2010, DFEE garnered support to provide $250,000 for crucial educational projects and programs, and is committed to maintaining and increasing this level of funding. Programs funded include the rebirth of the foreign language programs at the middle school level, provision of music technology, creation of social emotional learning programs at the elementary school level, and support for after-school science and technology programs for minority and disadvantaged students at the middle school level. Most programs were funded locally, with the Daniels Fund additionally providing assistance with the implementation of social emotional learning programs.
An additional $10,000 was provided annually district-wide for learning incentive programs that motivate students toward a life-long love of learning, ethics, integrity and character building.