Burlington to Hold Final Walkthrough of James Madison Middle School Before Demolition

The community will get one last chance to visit the school before it's torn down later this year.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

The Burlington Community School Board announced plans to demolish the James Madison Middle School building later this year. Prior to the demolition, the district will hold two online auctions to sell off items from the school, and will open the building to the public for two special visitation days - March 6 and April 6 - to allow community members a final chance to walk through the facility.

Why it matters

The impending demolition of James Madison Middle School marks the end of an era for the Burlington community, as the building has served as an important educational and community hub for decades. The school board's decision to allow public access and auctions provides residents a meaningful opportunity to say goodbye to the school and salvage pieces of its history.

The details

The Burlington Community School Board discussed plans this week to demolish the James Madison Middle School building later in 2026. Prior to the demolition, the district will hold two online auctions - the first from March 5-12, and a second closer to the demolition date - to sell off furniture, equipment, and other items from the school. The building will also be open to the public on March 6 from noon to 5 p.m. and on April 6 for a final community walkthrough before it is torn down.

  • The online auction for James Madison Middle School items will run from March 5-12, 2026.
  • The school building will be open to the public on March 6, 2026 from noon to 5 p.m.
  • The school building will be open to the public for a final community visit on April 6, 2026.
  • The James Madison Middle School building is scheduled for demolition later in 2026.

The players

Burlington Community School Board

The governing body that oversees the Burlington, Iowa public school district and made the decision to demolish the James Madison Middle School building.

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What’s next

The school board will determine the exact date of the James Madison Middle School demolition in the coming months.

The takeaway

The impending demolition of the James Madison Middle School building marks the end of an important chapter in Burlington's history, but the school board's decision to allow the public one last chance to visit and acquire mementos from the school provides the community with a meaningful opportunity for closure and to preserve pieces of the building's legacy.