September 7, 2025

Dubuque Community School Board Considers Jefferson Middle School Closure

Dubuque, September 7, 2025

News Summary

The Dubuque Community School Board is deliberating the potential closure of Jefferson Middle School due to significant financial challenges and declining enrollment. A vote is expected next week to decide on a $70 million bond aimed at financing a new middle school, with plans to consolidate students from Jefferson, Washington, and Eleanor Roosevelt Middle Schools. The proposal follows years of operational losses and a marked drop in student enrollment at Jefferson, raising concerns about the school’s viability moving forward.

Dubuque Considers Closure of Jefferson Middle School Amid Financial Difficulties

The Dubuque Community School Board is deliberating the potential closure of Jefferson Middle School due to ongoing financial challenges and declining enrollment. A crucial vote is set for next week, which will determine whether a $70 million general obligation bond is placed on the ballot for the November 4 election. If the bond receives at least 60% approval from district voters, it will be combined with $51.9 million borrowed from the district’s 1-cent sales tax fund, intended to finance a new $121.9 million middle school at the Washington Middle School location.

The proposed new middle school would accommodate students from both Washington and Eleanor Roosevelt Middle Schools, effectively marking the end of Jefferson Middle School’s operations. Current data indicates a significant drop in enrollment at Jefferson, which has decreased by approximately 30% since 2020, falling from 545 students to just 374 students now. In stark contrast, Roosevelt Middle School has a current enrollment of 1,146 students, while Washington currently supports 603 students.

Board members have expressed that Jefferson Middle School must be closed regardless of the bond’s approval, citing ongoing concerns about high operational costs in relation to student enrollment. The cost to educate a student at Jefferson stands at $20,000, considerably higher than the $15,000 incurred for students at Roosevelt and Washington. The potential consolidation into two middle schools is projected to save the district between $1.9 million and $2.5 million annually.

Financial strain has prompted discussions on the necessity of closing a school due to significant operational losses. The board is aware of the aging condition of Jefferson Middle School, where the cost of necessary updates complicates the prospect of its continued operation. While the proposed closure is not imminent, the district is taking proactive steps to explore new middle school boundary lines to ensure a seamless transition and alignment with high schools.

This move follows the failure of previous bond referendums, including a proposed $150 million bond in 2023 aimed at funding various projects, including the establishment of a new middle school. Community members can utilize a tool to estimate the potential impact on property taxes from the prospective bond, which could increase the tax levy by about $1 per $1,000 of taxable value.

As the district looks to navigate these challenges, the feedback from the community is invaluable, and additional informational sessions will be held to engage public input on the proposed changes. These discussions come as the state funding has lagged behind inflation rates and continuing enrollment declines, further straining district resources.

Overall, the Dubuque Community School District is proactively seeking to deliver high-quality education while optimizing operational efficiencies during these financially challenging circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Jefferson Middle School being considered for closure?

Jefferson Middle School is facing declining enrollment and higher operational costs compared to other middle schools in the district. The school currently has a significant financial burden, prompting discussions on its closure.

What is the proposed bond and what is its purpose?

The proposed $70 million general obligation bond aims to fund the construction of a new middle school, which will serve as a feeder school along with Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School, in response to financial challenges facing the district.

How will the closure impact students and the community?

Closure of Jefferson Middle School is projected to facilitate a consolidation that could reduce operational expenses and optimize resources. Students would transition to either Washington or Eleanor Roosevelt Middle Schools while maintaining educational quality.

Key Features

Feature	Details
Current Enrollment at Jefferson	374 students
Proposed New Middle School Cost	$121.9 million
Estimated Annual Savings from Consolidation	$1.9 million to $2.5 million
Tax Levy Impact	Increase by about $1 per $1,000 of taxable value
Enrollment Decline at Jefferson Since 2020	Approximately 30%