News Summary
The Dubuque Community School District is considering the closure of Jefferson Middle School as it grapples with financial difficulties. A vote is scheduled on a $70 million bond that could lead to a new middle school on the Washington Middle School site. Enrollment drops and rising costs per student are significant factors. The proposed consolidation aims to save millions annually. The district is committed to maintaining educational quality while addressing fiscal challenges, urging community engagement in the decision-making process.
Dubuque Faces Middle School Closure Amid Financial Strain
The Dubuque Community School District is contemplating the closure of Jefferson Middle School due to ongoing financial challenges. In a decisive move, the school board will vote next week on whether to place a $70 million general obligation bond on the ballot for the upcoming November 4 election. Approval of this bond, which requires at least 60% support from district voters, could see it combined with $51.9 million from the district’s 1-cent sales tax (SAVE fund) to finance a new $121.9 million middle school on the site of Washington Middle School.
Planned Consolidation and Financial Concerns
Should the bond be ratified, Jefferson Middle School would close, making way for the new middle school that will serve as a feeder school alongside Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School. Discussions among board members reveal that the closure of Jefferson is a necessity irrespective of the bond’s outcome due to serious financial and facility issues. Superintendent Amy Hawkins has highlighted the declining enrollment at Jefferson as a major concern, with the number of students dropping from 545 in 2020 to just 374 currently. This decrease, totaling approximately 30%, has caused the cost of educating each student at Jefferson to rise significantly, reaching around $20,000 per pupil. In comparison, Washington Middle School’s costs stand at $15,000 per pupil.
Potential Savings from Consolidation
Consolidating the middle schools to just two institutions could potentially save the district between $1.9 million to $2.5 million annually. Board Member Anderson Sainci has pointed out the urgent need for action, citing the considerable financial losses being experienced by the district.
Long-term Viability of Jefferson Middle School
While the closure of Jefferson Middle School will not occur immediately, ongoing concerns regarding the aging structure and substantial costs associated with necessary upgrades make its long-term operation increasingly difficult. The district is also considering new boundary lines for the middle schools to streamline operations and create a feeder school system aligned with local high schools. Past attempts to secure funding through bond referendums have been met with challenges, including a proposed $150 million bond in 2023 that was ultimately rejected by voters.
Tax Implications and Community Feedback
A tool is being made available to residents to calculate the potential property tax impact stemming from the proposed bond, which could increase the tax levy by approximately $1 per $1,000 of taxable value. As the district continues to face declining student enrollment and insufficient state funding that has not kept pace with inflation, additional changes may become necessary in the future. The community is encouraged to engage in the decision-making process, with opportunities for feedback through upcoming informational sessions planned to discuss the proposed changes.
Conclusion
As the Dubuque Community School District navigates these financial and operational challenges, the focus remains on providing high-quality education while striving for fiscal sustainability. The upcoming vote on the bond will play a crucial role in determining the future of Jefferson Middle School and the overall educational landscape 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
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