Dubuque, IA, September 7, 2025
News Summary
The Dubuque Community School District plans to close Jefferson Middle School due to financial challenges and declining enrollment. The school board is set to vote on a $70 million bond to fund a new middle school, which would address ongoing issues in the district. If approved, the bond combined with existing sales tax funds will help modernize educational facilities and potentially save the district between $1.9 million and $2.5 million annually. Community sentiment will be monitored through informational sessions ahead of the vote.
Dubuque, IA – The Dubuque Community School District is moving forward with plans to close Jefferson Middle School due to ongoing financial challenges. School board members are set to vote next week on a proposal to place a $70 million general obligation bond on the ballot for the upcoming election on November 4. This initiative, if approved by at least 60% of district voters, will be combined with $51.9 million in funding from the district’s 1-cent sales tax to facilitate the construction of a new $121.9 million middle school on the site of Washington Middle School.
As part of the restructuring, Jefferson Middle School would be permanently closed, and the newly built middle school is slated to function alongside Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School as the principal feeder schools in the district. The decision is being propelled not only by the potential funding but also by persistent concerns surrounding Jefferson’s declining enrollment and financial viability. Currently, Jefferson Middle School has only 374 students, a dramatic drop of nearly 30% from its enrollment of 545 in 2020.
The financial implications of maintaining Jefferson are significant. The current cost to educate each student at Jefferson is approximately $20,000, compared to $15,000 per pupil at Roosevelt and Washington. The consolidation effort to two middle schools could lead to annual savings of between $1.9 million and $2.5 million for the district. School board member Anderson Sainci has noted the pressing need to address financial losses, indicating that inaction is not an option.
Impacts of the Proposed Bond
The proposed bond aims to address not just the issue of school closure but also to modernize educational facilities in the Dubuque district. If voters approve the bond, it would greatly enhance financial resources to support infrastructure improvements and educational services. The district has seen past bond referendums, including a failed attempt in 2023 for a $150 million bond intended to fund multiple projects, which highlights ongoing difficulties in securing adequate funding for facility upgrades.
Should the bond referendum pass, the district is poised to redraw middle school boundary lines to reflect this consolidation, intending to create a cohesive feeder system that aligns better with high schools. This initiative is vital not only to streamline operations but also to ensure that students have access to quality educational opportunities.
Financial Context and Future Considerations
The Dubuque Community School District is navigating through challenging financial stability, aggravated by state funding levels that have not kept pace with inflation and overall student enrollment declines. Although the closure of Jefferson Middle School will not take effect immediately, the aging condition of the building and the escalating costs for necessary updates render its long-term operation increasingly unfeasible.
The district is committed to monitoring community sentiment regarding these shifts, and public feedback is encouraged. Informational sessions for residents are scheduled to discuss the proposed changes in detail and to explain potential property tax impacts associated with the upcoming bond vote. Calculating the potential tax implications is made convenient for residents, with tools available to help understand the possible increase of about $1 per $1,000 of taxable value.
Conclusion
The Dubuque Community School District faces critical decisions as it aims to provide an efficient educational environment while managing its financial challenges. The upcoming vote on the bond will be pivotal in determining the future of middle school education in the community.
FAQ
What is the proposed bond amount for the new middle school?
The proposed bond amount is $70 million.
How will the bond be funded?
The bond will be funded through property taxes, and will be combined with $51.9 million borrowed from the district’s 1-cent sales tax fund.
What will happen to Jefferson Middle School?
Jefferson Middle School is expected to close, regardless of the bond’s approval, due to declining enrollment and financial sustainability concerns.
How many students are currently enrolled at the middle schools?
The current enrollments are as follows: Roosevelt Middle School with 1,146 students, Washington Middle School with 603 students, and Jefferson Middle School with 374 students.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Bond Amount | $70 million |
| Additional Funding | $51.9 million from 1-cent sales tax |
| Closure of Jefferson Middle School | Confirmed due to financial and enrollment concerns |
| Student Enrollments | Roosevelt: 1,146; Washington: 603; Jefferson: 374 |
| Projected Savings from Consolidation | $1.9 million to $2.5 million annually |
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Additional Resources
- KCRG: Middle School Closure Among Possible Recommendations
- Wikipedia: Dubuque, Iowa
- CBS2 Iowa: Dubuque Community School District Bond Referendum
- Google Search: Dubuque Community School District
- KWWL: Dubuque School District Considers Middle School Consolidation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dubuque
- KCRG: Closing Dubuque Middle School Could Save District
- Google News: Dubuque Middle School Closure
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