As the 2026 legislative session begins, the Western Dubuque County Community School District remains focused on advocating for policies that best serve students, staff, families, and the broader community.
Earlier in the year, the Western Dubuque School Board formally adopted the district’s 2026 Legislative Priorities. These priorities reflect the district’s core values—People First, continual growth, and opportunities for all—and provide clear guidance for advocacy efforts at the state level.
With the Governor delivering the Condition of the State address this week, the district is closely monitoring discussions that may shape education policy in the months ahead. As always, Western Dubuque will remain engaged, informed, and proactive throughout the legislative process.
The district’s legislative priorities center on four critical areas:
School Funding Policy – Supporting predictable, timely, and equitable State Supplemental Aid (SSA) increases that allow districts to recruit and retain high-quality staff, maintain fiscal integrity, and meet the needs of all learners.
Mental Health – Expanding access to qualified providers, strengthening school-community partnerships, supporting therapeutic classrooms, and ensuring sustainable resources to address rising student mental health needs.
School Safety – Advocating for comprehensive approaches to safety that include prevention, preparedness, response, and local leadership authority to protect students and staff.
Private School Choice Policy – Upholding transparency, equity, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while ensuring public education remains strong and adequately resourced.
These priorities reflect what we see and experience every day in our schools, they are grounded in the needs of students, the professionals who serve them, and the communities that support public education. Our advocacy is strongest when it is rooted in our shared values and real-world impact.
Western Dubuque will continue working with legislators, education partners, and community stakeholders to advocate for policies that strengthen public schools and support student success. The district remains committed to clear communication and ongoing engagement as the legislative session progresses.
To view the full 2026 Legislative Priorities adopted by the School Board, please see the linked document.