Dr. Dan Butler takes great pride in his appointment as the sixth superintendent, heralding a legacy steeped in tradition, within the Western Dubuque County Community School District (WDCCSD). As of July 1, 2022, he has assumed this pivotal role, wholeheartedly dedicating himself to fostering a thriving learning community that prioritizes the well-being of every student and stakeholder, with a resolute commitment to ongoing growth and development.
With a 20-year tenure within the WDCCSD, Dr. Butler's professional journey has encompassed diverse roles as a teacher, athletic coach, school administration manager, assistant principal, principal, and human resources facilitator across multiple institutions. An alumnus of the University of Northern Iowa, he holds a distinguished doctoral degree, which further enhances his leadership prowess.
Dr. Butler is a proponent of exceptional leadership, cultivating positive relationships, and driving continuous improvement. Embracing connected learning, he remains deeply driven to making a positive impact on the lives of others. His passion for giving back to the profession is reflected in his active involvement as a presenter at prominent local, state, and national professional learning conferences. Topics such as digital leadership, 21st-century public relations/communication, organizational health, and leadership capacity development stand as pillars of his expertise. Additionally, he is a published author, having authored, "Permission to be Great: Increasing Engagement in Your School," in 2021. Moreover, his contributions extend to various educational leadership publications.
Dan's educational contributions have been lauded with numerous awards, with recent distinctions including being named a finalist for the School Administrators of Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year in both 2019 and 2020. Recognized as the University of Northern Iowa Educational Leadership Legacy award winner in 2018, he was further acknowledged as a 2017 bizTimes.biz Rising Star in the Tri-State area.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dan finds fulfillment in his family life. Happily married to Johna, who serves as an administrator of Medicaid in the Dubuque Community School District, they have two sons, Mason (13) and Nolan (10), both of whom proudly attend Western Dubuque Schools. The Butler family has established their home in Epworth.
When Dr. Butler isn't engrossed in his academic pursuits, he takes pleasure in spending quality time with his family and close friends. Beyond his commitment to literature, he actively participates in various sports events and engages in diverse activities within the WDCCSD.
For those seeking deeper insights into Dr. Butler's leadership philosophy, his website, danpbutler.com, serves as a comprehensive resource. Additionally, to stay updated on his latest endeavors, follow him on Twitter: @danpbutler.