Dubuque’s school board voted 6–1 on November 9 to close Jefferson and Washington middle schools and reorganize secondary education beginning in fall 2028. Roosevelt will serve grades 6–7, Hempstead grades 8–9, and Dubuque Senior grades 10–12. Hempstead will also house a Career and College Readiness Center.

Dubuque’s Marshallese population is estimated at approximately 1,500 residents, according to Manit Day organizer Maitha Jolet in September 2026 reported by Iowa Public Radio’s Gavin McGough. Earlier 2024 reporting placed the Dubuque-area population at about 1,400.

The affected schools all have sizeable Marshallese student population, although public school enrollment records numbers under the broader category “Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander”. In 2024–25, Hempstead enrolled 59 NHPI students and Senior enrolled 49, for a combined 108. Jefferson had the largest NHPI enrollment among the district’s three middle schools: 35 students, compared with 22 at Roosevelt and 14 at Washington. In 2023-2024, Hoover Elementary enrolled 29 NHPI, approximately 10.1% of its 286 students.

The district currently has 11 elementary schools, following Hoover Elementary’s closure after the 2024–25 school year. For some former Hoover students, the latest decision means another series of moves. Meg Valentine told KCRG that her daughter, now a fifth grader at Irving, is expected to attend Washington, then Roosevelt, Hempstead and Senior—six schools in eight years, counting Hoover. She raised concerns about transportation and students repeatedly having to rebuild a sense of belonging.

Officials attribute the restructuring to declining enrollment and funding increases that have not kept pace with expenses. The district seeks roughly $17 million in reductions by 2030–31, when enrollment is projected at 8,800—nearly 2,000 fewer students than in 2006–07.

Staffing reductions have already begun. In April 2026, the district announced the elimination of 27 positions to save about $2 million. Three teachers and four other employees faced contract terminations, while the remaining affected staff were moving into other roles. Additional teaching reductions associated with the newly approved restructuring have not been announced.

For Marshallese families, the transition raises practical questions about school routes, communication in Marshallese and continuity of English-language support. It also means protecting relationships with teachers and staff who know students and their families. Earlier Dubuque community research identified bullying and a lack of belonging as concerns for Marshallese students. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque has highlighted Pacific Islander clubs at both high schools as valuable spaces for studying, building friendships and sharing culture. Bringing students together could strengthen those connections, but preserving them will require deliberate planning and family involvement.

Dubuque’s situation reflects broader pressure across Iowa. Superintendent Amy Hawkins said 19 of the state’s 24 largest districts face consolidation or closures. The approved changes would save about $4.63 million, leaving further reductions ahead, including possible elementary consolidation. More than 1,200 people signed a petition asking the board to postpone its decision.

Senior High alum and community advocate Emily Brannon expressed optimism about Gov.-elect Rob Sand’s commitment to public education. Hawkins shared that hope but said the district’s financial situation required action now.

Read Iowa Public Radio’s full report.