Meet Our Superintendent

Dr. Dan Butler photo

Dr. Dan Butler

Dr. Dan Butler proudly serves as the sixth superintendent of the Western Dubuque County Community School District (WDCCSD), a role he has passionately embraced since 2022. Committed to fostering a thriving learning environment that prioritizes student and stakeholder well-being, he champions a people-first approach, continual growth, and equitable opportunities throughout the district.

With over 22 years of dedicated service within WDCCSD, Dr. Butler's career has encompassed roles from teacher and athletic coach to school administration manager, assistant principal, principal, and human resources facilitator across multiple institutions. A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, he holds a doctoral degree, enhancing his leadership expertise.

Dr. Butler is well-regarded for his passion for leadership development, cultivating positive relationships, and driving continuous improvement, underscoring his commitment to connected learning and his mission to positively impact lives. As a seasoned presenter at local, state, and national conferences, he addresses topics such as digital leadership, public relations, organizational health, and leadership capacity building. In 2021, he authored Permission to be Great: Increasing Engagement in Your School.

Dr. Butler has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including ITAG Administrator of the Year (2024), the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award (2021-2022), and finalist recognition for the School Administrators of Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year (2019, 2020). He was also honored with the University of Northern Iowa Educational Leadership Legacy Award (2018) and named a bizTimes.biz Rising Star in the Tri-State Area (2017).

Beyond his professional life, Dr. Butler finds joy in family activities with his wife, Johna, an administrator of Medicaid in the Dubuque Community School District, and their two sons, Mason (15) and Nolan (12), both attending Western Dubuque Schools. They reside in Epworth and are active members of their community.

For more about Dr. Butler's leadership philosophy, visit his website at danpbutler.com or connect with him on social media @danpbutler for updates on his latest endeavors.

A Message From Our Superintendent

Dear Families,

Welcome to the Western Dubuque County Community School District, where we prioritize people-first principles, continual growth, and opportunities for all. We take great pride in our accomplishments and the vibrant communities we serve, supported by a rich history and a promising future.

At Western Dubuque, innovation and creativity drive our teaching methods, creating a caring and supportive environment in every classroom and building. Our dedicated staff is the cornerstone of our success, wholeheartedly focused on nurturing our students' development.

With approximately 3,600 students enrolled from preschool through 12th grade, we offer diverse instructional methods and programs, ensuring every family finds a fitting educational path. We invite you to visit any of our schools, where you'll witness firsthand the excellence and dedication of our staff, and experience our innovative, challenging, and personalized curriculum tailored to each student's unique needs.

Our district vision, "Better Every Day," guides our continual growth across five key commitments: student achievement, responsible resource management, community relationships, a safe learning environment, and exemplary professional practices. This vision underscores our commitment to inspiring and challenging students, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become responsible citizens.

We appreciate your interest in the Western Dubuque County Community School District. For more information, please visit our website, where our staff stands ready to assist with any questions. Feel free to call 563-663-9626 for further assistance, and we will connect you with the right staff member.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for being an integral part of our mission to develop individuals through lasting education and opportunities. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact and ensure a brighter future for all.

Yours in education,

Dr. Dan Butler

Superintendent