Students moving in the halls of a school
Vote Yes this November

A new middle school. Smarter spending. A stronger Dubuque.

See the plan Get involved
Vote Yes

What is the bond?

The proposed bond is a $70 million General Obligation (G.O.) bond that will help fund the construction of a new, 1,000-student middle school on the current Washington Middle School site.


This bond only covers part of the cost.

The rest of the project—about $51.9 million—will be funded using existing SAVE (sales tax) dollars.

This bond is not about extras.

It's about strategic investment to:

  • Replace two aging, inefficient middle schools (Jefferson and Washington).
  • Consolidate into two modern, equitable schools, the New school and Roosevelt.
  • Reduce long-term operating costs by up to $2.5 million annually.
  • Ensure safe, updated learning environments for all middle school students.
Student raising their hand in a classroom
Vote Yes

Why it matters

Our current middle school setup is no longer sustainable.

Jefferson Middle School is closing no matter what. The question now is: how do we respond?


A YES vote supports the best possible solution:

  • Build a new, modern middle school at the Washington site
  • Create equity across facilities and improve class size balance
  • Save the district up to $2.5 million annually in operating costs

5 Reasons
to vote YES

1

The Consequences of Doing Nothing

Without this plan, the district will be forced to make deeper cuts.

More school closures, larger class sizes, or even combining both high schools into one. A YES vote is the most stable and student-centered option.

2

This Isn’t Political. It’s Practical.

We are an independent, nonpartisan effort.

This isn’t about political slates or party agendas. It’s about our kids, our schools, and Dubuque’s future.

3

Two Strong Systems. One Strong Dubuque.

Holy Family and Dubuque Community Schools have always coexisted.

Both are vital to our community’s strength. This plan helps keep both systems strong and Dubuque moving forward.

4

Equity and Efficiency

Right now, students at different middle schools experience very different environments.

Roosevelt is efficient and modern. Jefferson and Washington are aging and costly. This plan levels the playing field and creates better learning spaces for everyone.

5

Investing in Dubuque’s Future

Quality schools attract families, businesses, and talent.

Communities with great schools grow stronger economies and higher home values. This isn’t just about education. It’s about Dubuque’s long-term success.

Dubuque isn't alone

Across Iowa, school districts are making tough, but necessary, choices to consolidate and modernize. As enrollment declines and costs rise, communities like Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, and Fort Dodge have all made similar moves.


This is not unique to Dubuque.

It’s part of a statewide shift, especially in larger districts with aging buildings and shifting population trends.

By voting YES, we’re doing what responsible school districts all over Iowa are doing:

  • Making fewer buildings work smarter
  • Investing in modern learning spaces
  • Preparing for the future, not the past

Get involved

Request a yard sign
Volunteer
Talk to your friends

We’re building a grassroots movement of parents, teachers, business owners, and neighbors who care about Dubuque’s future.

Donate Now

How to vote

There are three easy ways to vote YES:

Early voting is available from October 15 to November 3 at the Dubuque County Elections Office, located at 720 Central Ave. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

Polls open Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from 7 AM to 8 PM at your local precinct—just show up and vote on Election Day.

  • Fill out the Absentee Ballot Request Form
  • Request must be received by October 20 at 5 PM
  • Return completed ballot by 8 PM on November 4, 2025
  • Please note absentee requests aren't available until August 26
Download the Request Form

Not Registered? You can still register at your polling place on Election Day—just bring valid ID. Register to vote, find your precinct, and more at voterready.iowa.gov

Don't have kids in school?

We hear that a lot, and we get it. But here’s the thing: Great schools benefit everyone.

  • They protect and increase property values
  • They help attract employers and working families
  • They reduce strain on social services, public health, and public safety
  • They create a Dubuque that’s more stable, vibrant, and desirable
Students smiling in a classroom
Students smiling in a classroom Vote Yes

Your VOTE Matters!

Let’s not come up short again. Let’s make it happen—together.

We lost the last bond referendum by just 70 votes—less than one bus of middle schoolers. This time, every single vote counts, and yours could be the difference.

Please show up to vote on November 4, 2025, talk to your friends, and bring your neighbors. Vote YES for our schools, our students, and Dubuque’s future.

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