Dubuque School May Close

A new Dubuque school task force could soon recommend closing one of the district’s three middle schools.  Superintendent Amy Hawkins says the group, consisting of one representative from each school, is evaluating the district’s infrastructure and will make recommendations on how to move forward efficiently.  The district will be closing Hoover Elementary School at the end of this school year and that is expected to save the district $1 million annually, but Dubuque School Board President Kate Parks and Superintendent Hawkins both say more cuts are needed as state funding lags behind inflation.  Jefferson Middle School is the most likely to face closure in the name of efficiency, according to Parks. The century-old school is Dubuque’s smallest middle school with about 450 students, but it’s also seen a nearly 30% decline in enrollment since 2019—the largest decrease of any Dubuque middle school.  Jefferson was in line to face closure in a $150 million bond referendum in 2023. It would have saved the district about $3.5 million annually, but narrowly failed.The task force is expected to make its recommendations in May or June. It’s unclear when a potential closure would take effect. Another bond referendum could also be suggested.