News Summary
The Dubuque Community School Board is discussing a potential closure of Jefferson Middle School due to declining enrollment and financial strains. A $70 million bond could fund a new middle school, with plans for a vote next week. If approved, the proposal would lead to the closure of Jefferson, highlighting operational efficiencies and fiscal challenges for the district. The discussions come amid a backdrop of stagnant state funding and ongoing challenges in maintaining educational infrastructure.
Dubuque, Iowa – The Dubuque Community School Board is considering a significant change to its middle school structure, with discussions underway regarding the potential closure of Jefferson Middle School. The board plans to vote next week on whether to place a $70 million general obligation bond on the ballot for the November 4 election.
If approved, the bond will be combined with $51.9 million in borrowing from the district’s 1-cent sales tax, known as the SAVE fund, facilitating the construction of a new $121.9 million middle school at the site of Washington Middle School. Should the proposal pass with at least 60% voter approval, Jefferson Middle School would close, with the new facility serving alongside Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School as a feeder school.
Board discussions have highlighted that the closure of Jefferson is necessary regardless of the bond’s outcome, mainly due to ongoing financial strains and facility issues. The declining enrollment at Jefferson, which has decreased approximately 30% since 2020—from 545 students to 374 students—has raised concerns about the school’s viability. Current enrollment figures show that Roosevelt Middle School has 1,146 students and Washington Middle School has 603 students.
The financial implications of maintaining Jefferson are considerable; it costs about $20,000 per pupil to educate students at Jefferson compared to $15,000 per pupil at Roosevelt and Washington. By consolidating to two middle schools, the district could potentially save between $1.9 million to $2.5 million annually.
Board Member Anderson Sainci has pointed out the urgent need for action regarding financial losses, stressing that the district cannot afford to ignore such significant budgetary concerns. Although the closure of Jefferson Middle School will not be immediate, the aging infrastructure and high cost of necessary updates complicate its long-term sustainability.
The district is also examining new boundary lines for middle school consolidation, aiming to develop a feeder system that aligns with the district’s high schools. Several previous bond referendums, including a failed proposal for $150 million in 2023, have sought to support various initiatives, including a new middle school.
As part of the current proposal, residents can utilize a tool to estimate the potential property tax increases resulting from the bond, projecting an additional tax levy of approximately $1 per $1,000 of taxable value. This move comes amidst broader challenges, including stagnant state funding that has not kept pace with inflation and declining enrollment numbers.
The district will also be holding future informational sessions to gather public feedback on these proposed changes. The administration is committed to providing students with high-quality education while striving to enhance operational efficiencies in light of the district’s current financial situation.
This proposal marks a significant turning point for the Dubuque Community School District as it seeks to address ongoing challenges and improve educational infrastructure amidst fiscal constraints.
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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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