Dubuque Senior Principal to Become District Executive Director

Brian Howes will oversee secondary education programs after current director's retirement.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Dubuque Community School District has announced that Brian Howes, the current principal of Dubuque Senior High School, will become the district's next executive director of secondary education. Howes will join the district's senior leadership team and oversee programs for middle and high schools, including curriculum, assessments, and professional learning for staff.

Why it matters

This transition in leadership comes as the district looks to the future of its secondary education programs. Howes' extensive experience within the district and focus on ensuring the best educational experience for students will be valuable as he steps into this new role.

The details

Howes will succeed Mark Burns, the current executive director of secondary education, who is set to retire at the end of the school year. In his new role, Howes will manage the secondary curriculum and assessments, as well as professional learning programs for staff. He has served as the principal of Dubuque Senior High since 2022 and previously led Washington Middle School from 2018 to 2022.

  • Howes will assume the executive director role following the conclusion of the 2022-2023 school year.
  • Mark Burns, the current executive director of secondary education, is set to retire at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.

The players

Brian Howes

The current principal of Dubuque Senior High School, who has been selected as the district's next executive director of secondary education.

Mark Burns

The current executive director of secondary education for the Dubuque Community School District, who is set to retire at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.

Amy Hawkins

The superintendent of schools for the Dubuque Community School District.

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What they’re saying

“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 (Dubuque Community School District)

What’s next

The Dubuque Community School District's Board of Education will need to approve Howes' appointment as the new executive director of secondary education at their March meeting.

The takeaway

This transition in leadership at the Dubuque Community School District reflects the district's commitment to ensuring a strong future for its secondary education programs. Howes' extensive experience and focus on student success will be valuable as he steps into this new role overseeing middle and high school programs.