News Summary
The Dubuque Community School District is considering closing Jefferson Middle School to address financial challenges. A bond vote is scheduled, and if approved, funds will be used to build a new middle school. The district faces declining enrollment and high operating costs at Jefferson. Local officials express concerns over sustainable education quality and facility maintenance, prompting discussions on consolidation strategies to enhance the educational infrastructure within the community.
Dubuque, Iowa—Plans to Close Jefferson Middle School Under Consideration Due to Financial Challenges
The Dubuque Community School District is actively exploring the possibility of closing Jefferson Middle School as part of a broader effort to address ongoing financial difficulties and aging facilities within the district. The school board is scheduled to vote next week on whether to place a $70 million general obligation bond on the upcoming November 4 election ballot. Approval by at least 60% of district voters would enable the district to proceed with a significant project aimed at consolidating resources and improving educational infrastructure.
Proposal for a New Middle School
If the bond proposal passes, it will be combined with approximately $51.9 million borrowed from the district’s 1-cent sales tax (SAVE fund). Together, these funds are intended to finance a new $121.9 million middle school to be built on the site of the current Washington Middle School. This new facility is designed to serve as a feeder school alongside Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School, which currently educates over 1,100 students.
Impacts on Existing Schools and Enrollment
According to district officials, Jefferson Middle School would be closed if the bond is approved, with the new middle school serving as a replacement. The consolidation aims to streamline student transition and strengthen the middle school system across the district. Presently, Roosevelt Middle School has an enrollment of 1,146 students, while Washington Middle School has 603 students. Jefferson Middle School’s current enrollment stands at 374 students, representing a decline of approximately 30% since 2020 when the school had 545 students.
Financial and Facility Concerns Leading to Closure
Discussions among the school board indicate that Jefferson’s closure is deemed necessary regardless of the bond’s outcome. This is driven by both declining enrollment and the high costs associated with maintaining the aging facility. The annual cost to educate each student at Jefferson is about $20,000, which exceeds the costs at Washington ($15,000) and Roosevelt. Consolidating to two middle schools is projected to save the district between $1.9 million and $2.5 million annually.
Board Considerations and Future Plans
Board members have expressed concern over ongoing financial losses, emphasizing that the district cannot sustain operating Jefferson indefinitely. Some officials note that, even if the bond referendum fails, the continued decline in enrollment and the building’s age make long-term operation impractical. The district is examining new boundary lines for the middle schools to facilitate effective consolidation while aligning with high school feeder systems.
Previous Bond Referendums and Funding Challenges
The district has previously attempted to fund facility improvements through bond measures, including a $150 million bond referendum in 2023 that did not pass. That proposal sought to finance multiple projects, notably including a new middle school. State funding has not kept pace with inflation, further complicating efforts to maintain infrastructure and services.
Public Engagement and Financial Impact
Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming informational sessions and provide feedback on the proposed changes. A property tax calculator tool is available to estimate potential tax increases, which could rise by about $1 per $1,000 of taxable property value if the bond is approved. The district emphasizes its commitment to providing high-quality education while also managing operational costs effectively.
Moving Forward
While a final decision is forthcoming, officials note that the aging Jefferson building and financial constraints make its long-term operation difficult. The district continues to evaluate consolidation strategies and seek community input to ensure sustainable growth and quality education for students across Dubuque.
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HERE Resources
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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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