LETTER TO SUPERINTENDENT AMY HAWKINS

Seeking More Information

a close up of a sign on a train

This is a clarification regarding the news report on KCRG's broadcast on October 2, 2025, 10p.

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.

We are opposed to the $121,900,000 Bond Referendum.

The decision is on the November 4 ballot and cannot be "slowed down." It will be decided either a yes or no at that time. Below is 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. We are just asking for transparency from the School District so all the voters can make an informed decision when they cast their vote.

October 3, 2025

Amy Hawkins, Superintendent

Dubuque Community Schools

Dubuque, IA

Dear Ms. Hawkins,


The Vote No Dubuque School Bond Committee is formally requesting the comprehensive report from your investigation concerning the potential renovation of Washington Middle School.

Please provide details on the specific areas that were the focus of your renovation study. These should include:

  • The need for additional classrooms.
  • Any required additions to the existing structure.
  • Structural updates necessary to improve the facility.
  • Land acquisitions that may be needed.
  • Mechanical updates planned as part of the renovation.
  • The total number of students that Washington Middle School will need to accommodate after renovation.
  • Data on the total number of students who have attended either Washington Junior High or Washington Middle School in any given year.
  • Does the proposed new structure take into account the declining enrollment numbers for Washington/Jefferson Middle School, in comparison to remodeling the current campus?
  • What is the current debt load for the district, and how will the proposed bond— combined with borrowing against the SAVE fund — affect the future ability to finance other structural improvements at additional schools?
  • How would the renovation process affect student attendance, specifically regarding the need for students to attend a different school during the period of construction?

We request access to the physical reports from the School District. These should detail all components included in the estimate for renovating Washington Middle School.


Respectfully,

Vote No Committee

VoteNoDbq@gmail.com