Dubuque Board Approves Two Closures, Realignment

The Dubuque school board voted 6-1 to approve a reorganization plan that will close Jefferson and Washington middle schools after the 2027-28 school year and reshape grade assignments: Roosevelt will serve grades 6-7, Hempstead grades 8-9 and a career-readiness center, and Dubuque Senior grades 10-12. The district says declining enrollment, inadequate state funding and rising costs mean it must cut nearly $17 million over several years; the approved plan is expected to save more than $4.5 million, so further changes may be needed. More than 1,200 residents signed a petition urging the board to delay its decision, and dozens of parents and students criticized the process and raised concerns about academics, finances, transportation and repeated student transitions. Supporters of the plan argued that the district could not afford to postpone action, while acknowledging that rollout will require continued community involvement.