Dubuque Board to Vote on School Reconfiguration

The board will consider a plan to close two middle schools and realign grades beginning in the 2028-2029 academic year.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Secondary Education

Red-brick mid-century school building with rows of windows under a pale November sky, bare trees in the foreground. — The Dubuque Community School Board will vote Monday on a plan to close Washington and Jefferson middle schools and move sixth and seventh graders to Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Dubuque Community School Board will vote on Monday, November 9, 2026, on a recommended secondary school facilities reconfiguration. Community members have submitted a petition asking the district to delay the vote.

Why it matters

The plan would close Washington and Jefferson middle schools and move all sixth- and seventh-grade students to Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School, affecting families across the district. Residents have raised concerns and asked for a pause before any action is taken.

The board's agenda includes consideration of the recommended reconfiguration and plans for the Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School renovation and expansion. The petition asking for a delay will be received and public comment heard at the meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at 2300 Chaney Road.

The players

Dubuque Community School District

The public school district serving the city of Dubuque, which operates the schools affected by the proposed reconfiguration.

The details

Under the recommended plan, Hempstead High School would serve grades eight and nine with a dedicated career and college-readiness space, while Dubuque Senior High School would serve grades 10 to 12. The board is also slated to consider approving plans, specifications, and a total cost estimate for the Eleanor Roosevelt project.

August: District proposed three facilities scenarios.
October: Task forces recommended the third scenario.
November 9, 2026: Board votes on the reconfiguration and hears the petition at 5:30 p.m.
2028-2029 academic year: Planned grade realignments are slated to begin.

Families with students in sixth through ninth grade at the affected schools may see changes to their children's school assignments beginning in the 2028-2029 academic year. Parents who want to weigh in can attend the board meeting at 2300 Chaney Road, where the petition and public comment will be heard.

The takeaway

School reconfiguration decisions often unfold over several years, so families affected by the proposed changes have time to attend meetings and ask questions before any new grade structure takes effect.

What happens next

The board is scheduled to vote on the reconfiguration plan on November 9, 2026, and the planned grade realignments are slated to begin in the 2028-2029 academic year.