Dubuque School Board Approves Consolidation Plan, Citing Declining Enrollment and Funding
The Dubuque school board voted 6-1 to close Jefferson and Washington middle schools and consolidate into one high school, a move necessitated by declining enrollment and funding shortfalls. These changes are set to begin in the fall of 2028.
Cedar Rapids Waterloo Iowa City & Dubuque, IA, November 9, 2026 — The Dubuque school board has approved a significant restructuring plan that will lead to the closure of two middle schools and the consolidation into a single high school. In a vote of 6-1, the board decided to close Jefferson Middle School and Washington Middle School. The consolidation is slated to take effect in the fall of 2028.
The decision stems from challenges identified as declining enrollment within the district and persistent funding shortfalls. These factors have created a need for the district to adapt its operational structure to align with current student population and financial realities.
Details regarding the specific enrollment figures and the extent of the funding shortfalls were not provided in the summary. Similarly, information about the proposed structure of the consolidated high school or plans for the former Jefferson and Washington Middle School facilities was not included in the available information.
The board’s vote indicates a commitment to addressing the identified issues through a significant reorganization of the district’s middle and high school facilities. The timeline for these changes is set for the fall of 2028, allowing several years for planning and implementation.
Story summarized from the original created by Keegan Turnbough on www.kcrg.com, see more information here.
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