Dubuque Community School District Proposes Closing Jefferson Middle School

News Summary

The Dubuque Community School Board is set to vote on closing Jefferson Middle School due to ongoing financial challenges. A proposed $70 million bond on the November ballot aims to fund a new middle school. Consolidation is seen as necessary as enrollment at Jefferson has dropped significantly, impacting financial sustainability. Discussions indicate that community engagement will be crucial for determining the future of middle school education in the district amid these fiscal realities.

Dubuque Community School District Plans to Close Jefferson Middle School Amid Financial Challenges

The Dubuque Community School Board is poised to vote next week on a significant proposal to close Jefferson Middle School due to ongoing financial challenges. The proposed plan includes placing a $70 million general obligation bond on the November 4 election ballot, aiming to secure funding for a new middle school at the site of Washington Middle School.

If the bond garners support from at least 60% of district voters, it would be combined with $51.9 million funding from the district’s 1-cent sales tax (SAVE fund), resulting in a total of $121.9 million allocated for the new facility. The newly constructed middle school would serve as a feeder school alongside Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School, effectively consolidating educational resources in the region.

Persistent discussions among board members have indicated that the closure of Jefferson Middle School is an unavoidable outcome due to various factors, including financial sustainability and deteriorating facilities. As enrollment at Jefferson has steadily declined, concerns have been raised regarding its viability as a functional educational institution.

Current Enrollment Statistics

As per the latest enrollment records, the student populations are as follows:

• Roosevelt Middle School: 1,146 students
• Washington Middle School: 603 students
• Jefferson Middle School: 374 students

Enrollment at Jefferson has decreased by approximately 30% since 2020, when it had a total of 545 students. The cost of education per student at Jefferson stands at roughly $20,000, compared to $15,000 per student at Roosevelt and Washington. This discrepancy highlights the financial strain on the district, prompting the need for action.

Financial Implications of Closure

Consolidating middle schools is projected to save the district between $1.9 million and $2.5 million annually. Board Member Anderson Sainci has articulated the critical nature of addressing these financial losses, indicating that continued funding at existing levels is not sustainable. The board recognizes that the aging infrastructure of Jefferson Middle School complicates its long-term operation and maintenance.

While the closure of Jefferson Middle School would not take immediate effect, the district is actively exploring new boundary lines to facilitate greater operational efficiency and support for a consolidated feeder system that aligns with local high schools. This approach aims to ensure that the quality of education remains intact while addressing fiscal realities.

Past Efforts and Future Considerations

The community has seen past attempts at securing funding through bond referendums, including a failed $150 million proposal in 2023 that sought to finance multiple educational projects, including a new middle school. With state funding failing to keep pace with inflation and declining enrollment, the district faces an uphill battle for sustainability.

Residents are encouraged to engage with the district regarding the proposed changes. Future informational sessions will be held to address community concerns and feedback. A tool will be accessible for residents to calculate the potential property tax impacts of the proposed bond, which may raise the tax levy by approximately $1 per $1,000 of taxable value.

Conclusion

The Dubuque Community School District continues to prioritize delivering high-quality education while navigating significant financial constraints. As the board prepares for an important vote next week, the community’s involvement will be crucial in determining the future landscape of middle school education within the district.

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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