The shooting incident involving Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger has added a painful chapter to Perry school’s recent history of losses
Perry High School in Iowa has recently experienced a tragic incident that has left the community in shock. Principal Dan Marburger who was a stalwart figure in the school for nearly 30 years was reportedly shot on Thursday morning by 17 year old Dylan Butler.
Who is Perry High School, Iowa Principal Dan Marburger shot at by Dylan Butler in shooting
A 17-year-old student at Perry High School in Iowa fatally shot a sixth grader and wounded four other students and a school administrator Thursday before apparently killing himself, officials said and police responded to an active shooter around 7:37 a.m. at the high school in Perry, a city of around 7,800 around 30 miles northwest of Des Moines.
Dan Marburger played football at Central long before becoming Perry’s Principal.
Dan has so many people pulling for him. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MZG9PBjkrQ
— Keith Murphy (@MurphyKeith) January 4, 2024
The journey of Principal Dan Marburger in education traces back to 1995 when he joined Perry schools as an assistant high school principal. Born and raised in Sabula, Iowa, Marburger’s commitment to education began with a degree in social studies education from Central College in 1989, followed by a master’s degree in educational administration from Drake University.
His connection to the Perry district runs deep, as he devoted decades of his life to shaping the minds of students.
Marburger’s biography on the school district’s website reveals a passionate educator who, from the start, expressed a desire to be like the great teachers he admired. Over the years, he took on various roles, from teaching social studies to middle school computer skills, physical education, and serving as an athletic director and middle school administrator.
As an assistant principal, Marburger spent much of his time addressing attendance and discipline issues, fostering a personal connection with students.
Perry High School Principal was one of the victims and is currently in surgery. We are praying for Mr. Dan Marburger! #perryiowa #highschoolshooting #iowa #schoolshooting pic.twitter.com/0EdzcjRbbe
— Brooke Mc 🇺🇸 (@brooke_mcgiv) January 4, 2024
Tributes to Principal Dan Marburger
Friends and colleagues of Principal Marburger have come forward to share their sentiments in the wake of the recent tragedy with Dan currently alive but hospitalised. Jackie Norris, the Des Moines School Board’s chair, recalled Marburger as “the most decent and kind human being I have ever met,” highlighting his impact as her first principal and a continued source of inspiration.
Norris shared a story of Marburger cleaning the gym floor late at night after a basketball game. His response, “Someone’s gotta do it. It doesn’t matter your title; it’s about getting the work done,” exemplifies Marburger’s humility and hands-on approach to the well-being of the school.
Tragically, Perry High School and Principal Marburger have faced multiple instances of grief in recent years. The loss of students Walter and Daisy Gavidia in a car crash in March 2023, along with the death of industrial technology teacher Chad Morman in April 2023, created a somber atmosphere within the school.
Principal Marburger acknowledged the cumulative effect of these tragedies, expressing the need to break free from a trend of constant sadness.
The recent shooting incident further deepens the wounds within the Perry community. Marburger, along with six others became victims of this senseless act. The alleged shooter reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.