Police identified the shooter as a 17-year-old classmate and the student killed as an 11-year-old student.
Perry High School principal Dan Marburger tried to calm down the shooter and "distract him" so students could flee, according to a Facebook post from his daughter, who said he was stable after getting shot.
Marburger was one of five people injured Thursday when a 17-year-old student at Perry High School in Iowa opened fire. A sixth grade student at the middle school, which is connected to the high school, was killed. Police have not released the names of the victims.
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The gunman, identified as Dylan Butler, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials said.
"For those of you who have reached out regarding Dad, I am sorry I haven’t gotten back to you. Please don’t take it personally it has just been a day for us, for Dad, and for the community," Marburger's daughter, Claire Marburger, wrote. "Dad was in surgery all day, and is currently stable."
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Claire Marburger said that her father is known to be a "gentle giant" and an "amazing Dad and just amazing person."
"He does anything for us kids, including driving 7 hrs round trip on school nights to catch my college games in Decorah. Stayed long enough to slip me a $20 tell me I played well, give me a hug, and head out," she said.
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