The Dubuque Community School District was recently recognized for its communication efforts in the 2025 Iowa School Public Relations Association (ISPRA) Communication Contest, honoring outstanding school communication throughout the state.
The district received 10 awards in the contest, with each entry evaluated and scored independently by school communication professionals in other state chapters of the National School Public Relations Association.
Based on a scoring rubric, entries receiving a winning score are selected to receive either an Award of Excellence or a Blue and Gold Award, which is bestowed upon entries receiving a perfect score from judges in each criteria category. For 2025, the Dubuque Community School District received the most Blue and Gold Awards of any school district in the state.
The district was honored with the following:
BLUE AND GOLD AWARD
- Category: Special Purpose, Entry: READY. FOR YOU. 2024-2029 Strategic Plan
- Category: Public Engagement Campaign, Entry: Kindergarten Sneak Peek
- Category: Marketing/Branding Campaign, Entry: Seedlings Preschool Center Identity
- Category: Social Media, Entry: Dream Big: Kyle Konrardy
- Category: Photography, Entry: Elementary Track Meeting: Marshall Strong
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
- Category: Public Engagement Campaign, Entry: Multilingual Family Night
- Category: Video – Singular, Entry: JJ and Logan
- Category: Social Media, Entry: #ThankAnEducator
- Category: Social Media, Entry: Audubon Attendance
- Category: Excellence in Writing, Entry: School Performance Profiles Paint an Incomplete Picture
“As a district, we believe that having outstanding schools relies on having an engaged, informed community,” said Mike Cyze, chief communication officer. “Our amazing team is committed to proactively and transparently communicating with those we serve, and it is an honor to be recognized as among the best school communication work being done across the state.”
Eigenberger has spent her entire career at Lincoln and is currently serving as a Title I reading teacher at the school. She joined the district in 2006, serving as a multicategorical special education teacher from 2006 to 2012. From 2012 to 2015, she served as a special education coach and from 2015 to 2024 was a special education teacher, both at Lincoln. Eigenberger holds a bachelor of arts in education degree and a master of arts in education degree, both from Clarke University in Dubuque.
Jefferson Middle School Principal Greg Lehman received the TEAM (Together Educators and Administrators Make-it-happen) Award presented to an administrator for exemplary support of teacher success. Lehman’s nomination notes his exceptional leadership and advocacy for staff, students and families. The nomination points to Lehman establishing a culture of safety and camaraderie at Jefferson; promoting staff collaboration and valuing their input; and creating systems that allow staff to grow and contribute meaningfully.