About

District History

Located in Southeast Iowa, the Independent School District of West Burlington is unique in that it’s surrounded by another district, has no bus routes, and covers only 2 square miles. In 1931, Walter E. Arnold came to the West Burlington Schools to teach  7th and 8th grade English and science.  He became the superintendent in 1957 and in 1960, Mr. Arnold expanded the WB district from K-8 to K-12 against the wishes of the Department of Education.  The school hosted the first graduating class of 22 seniors in 1964.  After his death in 1971, the High School changed its name to West Burlington Arnold High School in honor of its founder.

The Beginning

The earliest record book on file at West Burlington school is for 1883-84. E.C. Littler’s list included names of 45 boys and 46 girls, including 35 who did not attend the entire fall and winter term.  The term ended February 22, 1884, and the spring term began a month later.  Students ranged from five to 16 years in age.

There have been a total of six buildings that could be called “West Burlington Schools”.   “Fairview” was the first, but was on the North side of Mt. Pleasant Road, and there-for…, not in “corporate” town limits.   The next, also called “Fairview”, was on the corner of Wheeler and Ramsey, and was around as early as 1883 and was used until 1939 when A “Public Works Administration project” took place, and reconstructed a new building to the south of Fairview.

The following year, Littler’s records noted, there were 91 boys and 75 girls enrolled in the school. Average daily attendance was, according to the records, only 89.  The Educational Directory for 1905-06 tabbed school enrollment at 290.  H.N. Morgan was paid $675 for his first year as West Burlington Principal.  He had seven aides, paid an average of $40 a month.

The “Old Middle School”

The school building commonly known as the “old middle school” was constructed as PWA (Public Works Administration) project in 1937-1939.  It contained 20,000 square feet of floor space and cost $67,916, serving as West Burlington’s only elementary school until 1956, when the present elementary building was constructed.

Map & Directions

West Burlington Independent School District is located at 314 W. Van Weiss Blvd., West Burlington, Iowa 52655.

District and Building Administration

Map & Directions

The West Burlington Independent School District office is located at 314 W. Van Weiss Blvd. in West Burlington.

OUr Community

The City of West Burlington (population 3,000) is located in southeastern Iowa, adjacent to the Mississippi River town of Burlington, Iowa (population 25,000). West Burlington is situated close to several metropolitan areas including Iowa City / Cedar Rapids (1hr 20min) and the Quad Cities (1hr 30min), and is within easy driving distance to Des Moines (2hr 40min), Chicago(4hr), and St. Louis (3hr 30min). Major employers include the area’s healthcare facility Great River Medical Center, as well as American Ordnance (IAAAP), Shearer’s Snacks, Federal Mogul and Winegard Company.

The West Burlington / Burlington area is home to a long list of recreational activities including multiple golf courses, an award-winning sports complex, outdoor swimming pools, bike trails, playgrounds, a dog park, skate park, disc golf course, the Bees minor league baseball team, Southeastern Community College athletics, 34 Raceway, FunCity, Big Hollow outdoor recreation, and activities on the beautiful Mississippi River. Annual events include SnowBull indoor rodeo, Snake Alley Criterium bicycle races, Snake Alley Art Fair, Snake Alley Festival of Film, City of West Burlington 4th of July Festival, and multiple music festivals, farmer’s markets, flea markets, and 5K run/walk events.