We need information.
We're seeking more transparency in the decision-making process that led to this plan.
The plan from the Dubuque School Board ...
QUESTION
Just wondering:
If you wanted to add air-conditioning to your home, would you tear it down and build a new house?
A Vote No Dubuque viewpoint
"|We believe | there may be other ways of doing this in a more economical fashion with the same results while preserving the historical character of Washington Middle School. We're seeking more transparency in the decision-making process that led to this plan:
- What are the numbers to renovate Washington Middle School (like Dubuque Senior High School)?
- Why was new construction chosen over renovation?
- What will be the district's future debt load?
- How will the proposed traffic patterns affect residences in the area?
If you Vote No, that doesn't mean you're against the kids, as some would want you to believe.
It's not the building itself, but what goes on in the building, that determines the education standards demanded by our Community. Bryant School is around (or over ) 100 years old and the quality of education that goes on there is fantastic. "
PAUL KERN
Chair, Vote NO Dubuque
Dubuque Students Deserve Better
The Vote No DBQ School Bond Committee is not looking for the School District to "slow down," but we are asking for the information on how they arrived at a $109,000,000 price tag to renovate/remodel Washington Middle School.
Please read the correspondence sent to Superintendent Hawkins and the information we have requested. [To date, there has been no reply or acknowledgement of any intention of responding to the request.]
Vote No Dubuque makes case for a No Vote
We would like to see an estimate from the Dubuque School District to Renovate/Remodel Washington Middle School. It appears their position is that a New School is the only solution. We are not convinced. Where are the discussions regarding other options? The School District chose to remodel/renovate Senior High, not tear it down and build a new school. This was a building that was over 100 years old, a criterion being used to promote the need for the new school. I don't hear the cry that those attending Senior High today are not getting an "Equitable Education" compared to those students who attend Hempstead.
A recent Google search lists the cost of the renovations done over a two-phase project for Dubuque Senior High School. Here are those Google results:
The renovation of Dubuque Senior High School was a multi-phase project costing approximately $64 million total. The first phase, completed in 2018, cost around $30 million. The second phase, which involved significant upgrades to the auditorium, gymnasiums, and the addition of climate control, had a budget of approximately $34 million and was completed in 2024.
Breakdown of Renovation Costs
First Phase (2016-2018):
- Cost: Approximately $30 million.
- Highlights: Construction of a new secure entrance, administrative offices, student commons, new cafeteria, and library.
Second Phase (2021-2024):
- Cost: Approximately $34 million.
- Highlights: Included renovations to the Lamb-Hedeman Auditorium, new performance and physical education spaces, a restructured music wing, classroom updates, two new elevators, and full climate control (air conditioning) for the entire building.
Everyone in the city is proud of what has been done to Dubuque Senior High School.
It seems obvious that the Dubuque School District could invest the funds to update Washington Middle School at a much lower cost to the taxpayer and at the same time protect the historical appearance of the building and provide the same or better atmosphere of an education facility as a new building without the $121.9 Million dollar price tag.
ANOTHER REASON TO VOTE "NO" ON NOVEMBER 4.
Dubuque Students Deserve Better
GET THE TAX FACTS
The Cost to Dubuque Residents
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Where + How to
Vote NO: Absentee
in person
Vote NO by In-Person Absentee at the Dubuque County Elections Office:
- Dates: October 15-November 3
- Location: 720 Central Avenue
- Hours: Mon-Fri / 8a-4:30p
Vote NO: Absentee
by mail
Vote NO By-Mail Absentee:
- Complete the Absentee Ballot Request Form.
- Deadline for Request: Must be received by Mon / October 20 at 5p.
- Return completed ballot by 8p on Tues / November 4, 2025.
Vote NO on Election Day
Vote NO In-Person on Election Day:
- Date: Tue / November 4
- Location: your precinct/polling place
- Hours: 7a-8p
NOT REGISTERED TO VOTE? No problem. You can still register at your precinct/polling place on Election Day. [Remember to bring a valid ID. ]