Garfield Re-2 Shares Results of Workforce Housing Survey

Board reviews staff feedback as part of ongoing recruitment and retention planning

RIFLE, CO — Garfield Re-2 School District Superintendent Kirk Banghart shared a summary of results from the district’s recent Workforce Housing Survey with the Board of Education during its January 14, 2026, regular meeting. The information was presented as part of ongoing discussions focused on staff recruitment, retention, and long-term workforce stability.

The anonymous survey was administered by Colorado housing consultant Kwame Spearman and received responses from 451 employees, representing approximately 47 percent of the district’s workforce. District leaders noted that this level of participation provides a strong snapshot of staff experiences across job roles, schools, and departments.

“This survey builds on what we have been hearing directly from staff,” Banghart said. “It grew out of our listening tour and SWOT analysis, and it gives us clear data to help guide thoughtful conversations with the Board and the community.”

Key Findings from the Workforce Housing Survey

Survey results show that housing availability and cost are affecting a significant number of Garfield Re-2 employees, particularly in specific and predictable groups.

• Overall interest: Forty-seven percent of respondents said they are interested in or would like to learn more about district-supported workforce housing.
• Age and tenure: Interest exceeded 60 percent among employees under age 40 and was approximately 70 percent among staff with fewer than three years in the district. Interest dropped to about 25 to 30 percent among employees over age 50 or with more than ten years of service.
• Income: Approximately 70 to 80 percent of employees earning below $70,000 expressed interest in workforce housing, compared with less than 25 percent of those earning above $100,000.
• Household structure: Interest was highest among single households and single parents, reflecting increased housing pressure for one-income families.

The survey also highlighted impacts on workforce stability:

• Nearly half of respondents who expressed interest in housing said housing challenges negatively affect them at work.
• Sixty-two percent reported they would stay longer in the district if workforce housing were available.
• Fifty-five percent said they would consider leaving the district for better housing options elsewhere.

Employees who did not express interest in workforce housing were primarily homeowners with long-term housing stability. Even so, roughly half of those respondents still rated workforce housing as highly important for the district. Open-ended responses showed broad overall support for educator housing as a district strategy.

School-Level Context Shared with the Board

During the school presentation portion of the Board meeting, held prior to the business agenda, district leaders also shared school-level examples that show how housing challenges can affect staffing and programming.

Rob Dean, principal of Rifle Middle School, described a recent hiring process in which a mid-year teaching candidate accepted a position but later withdrew after several weeks of being unable to secure suitable housing. As a result, the school adjusted its course offerings and reassigned staff to maintain instruction for students.

Dean also shared that recruiting paraprofessionals remains especially difficult, with candidates declining positions after learning the pay relative to local housing costs.

“These examples help show how housing availability can affect hiring timelines and staffing decisions at the school level,” Banghart said. “Schools continue to adapt and support students, but these pressures are real and already present.”

No decisions regarding workforce housing were made at the meeting. 

“This is a first step,” Banghart said. “The data helps us understand where housing pressure exists and who is most affected. It gives the Board information to consider as we continue conversations with staff, community members, and partners about possible next steps.”

The district will continue sharing information with its citizen advisory group and the Board of Education as discussions and data review continue. A full summary of the survey results is available on the district website.