Dubuque Task Force Proposes Middle School Closures
The proposed plan would close two middle schools and reassign students to save the district $4.63 million annually.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Secondary Education
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A Dubuque Community School District task force is recommending the closure of Jefferson and Washington Middle Schools as part of a major facilities consolidation plan. The proposal aims to address looming budget deficits by reallocating grade levels across the remaining district buildings.
Why it matters
The district faces a significant financial shortfall, with projections showing its unspent balance could plummet from $20 million to $2.5 million by the 2028-29 school year. These consolidations are being proposed to achieve $4.63 million in savings to help meet a total $16.8 million budget cut requirement.
The recommended plan aims to bridge the gap between the district's current $20 million unspent balance and its $12 million target. This scenario would reassign students across Dubuque Senior High, Hempstead High, and Roosevelt Middle School to cut costs.
The players
Dubuque Community School District
The local public education authority currently managing building usage and budget planning for students in Dubuque.
Dubuque Senior High School
A district facility proposed to house grades 10 through 12 under the new consolidation scenario.
Hempstead High School
A district high school designated in the plan to host grades 8 and 9 plus a college readiness center.
Roosevelt Middle School
The middle school facility slated to remain open and serve all grade 6 and 7 students.
The details
The task force plan reconfigures the district by closing two middle schools and merging the remaining students into fewer facilities. Under this proposal, Dubuque Senior High School would house grades 10 through 12, while Hempstead High School would host grades 8 and 9 alongside a new career and college readiness center. Roosevelt Middle School would be repurposed to serve all remaining district students in grades 6 and 7.
Timeline
The middle school closures are proposed for the 2027-2028 school year.
The district unspent balance is projected to fall to $2.5 million by the 2028-2029 school year.
The Home Front
This consolidation plan marks a significant shift in the district's long-term facilities strategy due to persistent budget pressures. It follows the pattern established by recent financial projections that show the current $20 million unspent balance dropping below the $12 million target.
Families with students currently attending Jefferson or Washington Middle School should monitor upcoming school board meetings to see which consolidation scenario moves forward. You may want to review your long-term commuting plans and student enrollment options as the district finalizes its new building usage strategy.
The takeaway
The district is working to stabilize its finances by reducing its building footprint and reallocating students across existing campuses. Parents should keep an eye on the official school board schedule to participate in the public vetting process for these facility changes.
Further reading
For more updates on school facility planning, visit the Secondary Education page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kcrg.
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