Dubuque Senior to Lose Principal, District Gains Executive Director

According to a press release from the Dubuque Community School District, Brian Howes, principal of Dubuque Senior High School, has been selected as the district’s next executive director of secondary education, pending approval by the Board of Education in March. He will succeed Mark Burns, who is set to retire at the end of the school year.

In this role, Howes will join the district’s senior leadership team and oversee programs for middle and high schools, including the Alta Vista Campus. He will also manage the secondary curriculum and assessments, as well as professional learning programs for staff.

“Brian is a respected leader with strong relationships across the district and our community. He is grounded in ensuring the best educational experience for every student we serve, and he will bring an energy and perspective that greatly contribute to our work as the district moves into the future.”

-Amy Hawkins, Superintendent of Schools

Howes has extensive experience within the district, serving as principal of Dubuque Senior High since 2022 and previously leading Washington Middle School from 2018 to 2022. He has also been an assistant principal and registrar at Dubuque Senior High (2011-2018), as well as an assistant principal at Hempstead High School (2010/11). Howes also served in various other roles, including curriculum coordinator, instructional coach, gifted and talented facilitator, and science teacher.

He holds a bachelor’s in chemistry teaching, a master’s in science education, and an advanced study certificate in PreK–12 principalship from the University of Northern Iowa.

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Howes will assume the executive director role following the conclusion of the school year, bringing leadership and a fresh perspective to the district’s secondary education programs.