News Summary
The Dubuque Community School Board is set to vote on a proposal that could lead to the closure of Jefferson Middle School. Board members are considering a $70 million bond for a new middle school at Washington’s site. The district is facing declining enrollment issues, with Jefferson’s numbers notably low, leading to higher education costs. The closure aims to consolidate resources and address operational inefficiencies while also seeking community input on these changes.
Dubuque, Iowa – The Dubuque Community School Board is poised to vote next week on a significant proposal that could lead to the closure of Jefferson Middle School. Board members are considering placing a $70 million general obligation bond on the ballot for the upcoming November 4 election. If this bond is approved by at least 60% of voters, it will be combined with an additional $51.9 million from the district’s 1-cent sales tax (SAVE fund) to finance the construction of a new middle school at the existing site of Washington Middle School. As part of this plan, Jefferson Middle School would be closed, with the new facility serving alongside Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School to accommodate students in the district.
Discussions among board members indicate that the closure of Jefferson Middle School is likely regardless of the bond’s outcome due to various financial and facility-related challenges. Superintendent Amy Hawkins has noted concerns surrounding the school’s declining enrollment, which poses questions about its viability moving forward. The current student enrollment figures reveal a stark contrast: Roosevelt Middle School has 1,146 students, Washington has 603, while Jefferson’s count has dropped to just 374 students, a significant decrease of approximately 30% since 2020 when enrollment was 545.
The cost to educate students at Jefferson is markedly higher than at its neighboring counterparts, with expenses reaching $20,000 per pupil compared to $15,000 at Washington and Roosevelt. Consolidating operations to two middle schools is projected to save the district between $1.9 million and $2.5 million annually, underscoring the financial necessity behind the proposed changes.
The approach to closing Jefferson Middle School is seen as a critical step in addressing the district’s operational inefficiencies amidst financial losses. Board Member Anderson Sainci has highlighted the urgent need for action, emphasizing that the district cannot afford to sustain excessive financial bleeding.
While the closure of Jefferson Middle School will not happen immediately, the aging infrastructure of the building and the costs associated with necessary updates make its long-term operation precarious. The district is also investigating potential new middle school boundary lines to facilitate the consolidation, intending to create a feeder system that aligns with high school structures.
Historically, previous bond measures have faced challenges, including a proposed $150 million bond in 2023 that failed to gain voter approval. The new bond proposal aims to address numerous projects, including the construction of the new middle school. Residents interested in understanding how the bond may impact their property taxes can access a calculation tool, which estimates an increase in the tax levy of about $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value.
Moreover, the district acknowledges that beyond the proposal to close Jefferson Middle School, it may need to implement additional changes due to stagnant state funding that has not kept pace with inflation and the ongoing decline in student enrollment. The community’s feedback regarding these significant changes is encouraged, with informational sessions scheduled for residents to learn more about the proposed measures.
Ultimately, the Dubuque Community School District is committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities while also navigating the intricate challenges of financial sustainability and operational efficiency.
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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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