Meet Our Superintendent
Dr. Dan Butler
Dr. Dan Butler proudly serves as the sixth superintendent of the Western Dubuque County Community School District, a role he has held since 2022. With an unwavering commitment to students, staff, families, and the community, he leads with the belief that strong relationships are the foundation of exceptional schools. Guided by a people first philosophy and a commitment to continual growth, Dr. Butler works alongside others to ensure every student has access to meaningful opportunities and a high-quality educational experience.
A lifelong educator and leader, Dr. Butler has dedicated more than 23 years to serving Western Dubuque Schools. His career has included roles as a teacher, coach, school administration manager, assistant principal, principal, human resources facilitator, and district administrator. This breadth of experience provides him with a deep understanding of the district, its people, and the communities it serves. He earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Iowa.
Dr. Butler is passionate about developing leaders, building positive organizational culture, and creating school systems where both students and adults can thrive. He is a frequent presenter at local, state, and national conferences, sharing practical strategies in leadership, organizational health, public relations, communication, and continuous improvement. He is also the author of Permission to be Great: Increasing Engagement in Your School.
Throughout his career, Dr. Butler has been recognized for his leadership and contributions to education, including being named the ITAG Administrator of the Year in 2024 and receiving the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award. He has also been recognized as a finalist for the School Administrators of Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year and has received the University of Northern Iowa Educational Leadership Legacy Award.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Dr. Butler enjoys spending time with his wife, Johna, and their two sons, Mason and Nolan, who attend Western Dubuque Schools. The Butler family resides in Epworth and is proud to call the Western Dubuque community home.
To learn more about Dr. Butler's leadership philosophy, visit danpbutler.com or follow @danpbutler on social media.
A Message From Our Superintendent
Dear Families,
Welcome to the Western Dubuque County Community School District. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our schools and the communities we proudly serve.
At Western Dubuque, our purpose is simple: to develop individuals through lasting education and opportunities. Every decision we make is guided by our commitment to putting people first, embracing continual growth, and creating opportunities for every student to succeed. These values shape our culture and inspire our vision of being Better Every Day.
Western Dubuque is proud to be recognized as a High Performing District by the Iowa Department of Education and is currently ranked as the fourth highest performing school district among Iowa districts of similar enrollment. While we celebrate these accomplishments, we believe our greatest success is found in the relationships we build, the opportunities we provide, and the growth we see in every student.
Serving approximately 3,600 students from preschool through grade 12, Western Dubuque offers exceptional academic, athletic, fine arts, and extracurricular opportunities across eight outstanding schools. Our dedicated staff works tirelessly to create safe, engaging, and innovative learning environments where every student is challenged, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Our communities have long valued education, and that tradition continues today through strong partnerships between our schools, families, businesses, and community members. Together, we prepare students not only for success after graduation but also for lives of character, leadership, and service.
Whether you are considering Western Dubuque for your family, are new to our district, or have been part of our school community for many years, we are grateful for your partnership. I encourage you to explore our website, visit our schools, and experience firsthand the exceptional people who make Western Dubuque such a special place to learn, work, and grow.
Thank you for your interest in Western Dubuque Schools. We are honored to serve our students and communities, and we look forward to continuing our journey of being Better Every Day.
Yours in education,
Dr. Dan Butler, Superintendent