Shirley Horstman
School Attendance and College Access Coordinator“To me, community means a sense of belonging, a place where you feel welcome, a place where you work, play, and raise a family. A place where you can thrive!”
Throughout her four-decade career, Shirley Horstman has supported the education and well-being of children. After retiring from her role as Executive Director of Student Services for the Dubuque Community School District in 2024, she has continued to guide Dubuque region’s youth toward strong futures.
Today, Shirley facilitates the Community Foundation’s efforts to decrease chronic absenteeism among local students and ultimately increase high school graduation rates – key components of the Foundation’s Every Child Reads initiative.
“I want youth to feel hopeful about their future,” Shirley says. “I am inspired to work on tough issues that bring hope to students and families that have lost it, and I and have joy in my heart when youth are empowered to overcome obstacles in their lives and find success.”
Prior to her tenure with the Dubuque Community School District, Shirley taught high school mathematics, served as a school improvement facilitator for Keystone Area Education Agency, and served as an adjunct mathematics instructor at Clarke University.
She holds multiple degrees and certificates: a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in psychology from Loras College, a master’s in educational technology from Clarke University, and an educational leadership certificate from Loras College.
Shirley and her husband, Dave, had two daughters and three grandchildren – plus two cats. When not working, she enjoys traveling, reading, hiking and spending time with the people she loves: her grandchildren, other family members and friends.
Fun Fact
Q. What is your favorite place you've ever visited?
A. One of my all-time favorite places to visit is the Moraine Lake area in Alberta Canada. We enjoy hiking and the trails to the mountain peaks surrounding the lake give breathtaking views that make you feel like you are at the "top of the world."
