DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Dubuque Community School District has released three potential facility scenarios as part of a community planning process aimed at addressing declining enrollment and the need for significant cost reductions, Superintendent Amy Hawkins announced in a message to families and staff on Monday, August 17, 2026.

District projections show enrollment falling to approximately 8,800 students by the 2030-2031 school year—a drop of more than 865 students from the 2025-2026 figure and nearly 2,000 since 2006-2007. Financial advisors have recommended roughly $16.8 million in cost reductions by the same period, driven by lower birth rates and state funding that has not kept pace with needs.

Rather than defaulting to larger class sizes or program cuts, Hawkins said the district is pursuing a strategy of rethinking how education is delivered to maintain or enhance student opportunities while operating more efficiently. Internal and external task forces—comprising 26 district administrators, principals and curriculum staff alongside 31 community volunteers (parents, grandparents, former staff and residents)—have spent months reviewing data, operations and options.

The groups evaluated impacts on class sizes, course offerings, activities and athletics, and transportation. Three scenarios emerged as the most viable for public discussion. Both task forces are currently leaning toward the third option. Hawkins stressed that these remain proposals only; the Board of Education will make any final decisions after further input.

•  Scenario 1 would retain two middle schools (grades 6-8) and two high schools (grades 9-12) while closing Jefferson Middle School.

•  Scenario 2 would retain one middle school (grades 6-7) and two high schools (grades 8-12) while closing both Jefferson and Washington Middle Schools.

•  Scenario 3 would retain one middle school (grades 6-7), one high school focused on grades 8-9 with dedicated career and college readiness space, and one high school for grades 10-12, while also closing Jefferson and Washington Middle Schools.

Many other options were considered and set aside during the process. Detailed enrollment, financial and programming analyses for each scenario are available on the district website.

To gather broader community reaction, the district will host five 90-minute focus-group sessions that include a short presentation followed by facilitated small-group discussions:

•  Wednesday, Aug. 26, 6 p.m., Roosevelt Middle School

•  Thursday, Aug. 27, noon, Main Campus Forum

•  Thursday, Aug. 27, 6 p.m., Prescott Elementary

•  Sunday, Aug. 30, 2 p.m., Main Campus Forum

•  Wednesday, Sept. 2, 6 p.m., Irving Elementary

An online feedback form is also available. Additional background on enrollment trends, finances, task-force work and program impacts can be found at dbqschools.org/planning-for-our-future.

Hawkins closed the message by noting the student-centered focus of the task forces and expressing confidence that the district can navigate the challenges ahead while preparing students for long-term success.

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