2026 Wisconsin Elementary School Principal of the Year Catherine Loss

The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has named Catherine Loss as the 2026 Elementary School Principal of the Year.

Loss serves as principal of Lloyd Barbee Montessori School in Milwaukee Public Schools. Over the past 14 years, she has led the transformation and growth of the school into a thriving K-8 Montessori program grounded in equity, community, and a whole-child approach to education.

Under Loss’s leadership, Lloyd Barbee Montessori has grown from fewer than 200 students to more than 420 and has demonstrated strong academic progress. The school currently exceeds expectations on the Wisconsin State Report Card and has shown significant student growth, with value-added scores indicating students are progressing more quickly than their peers statewide. 

Loss has also led efforts to support historically underserved students, contributing to improved outcomes and positioning the school to meet all criteria for exiting Comprehensive Support and Improvement status.

“Catherine is a dedicated and compassionate leader who has built a strong, inclusive school community focused on student success,” said MPS Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius. “Her commitment to Montessori principles, academic excellence, and supporting the whole child has made a lasting impact on students, staff, and families.”

Loss is known for her supportive leadership style and commitment to developing both staff and students. She has strengthened instructional practices through initiatives such as Montessori Reading Acceleration, Orton-Gillingham training, and professional learning communities, while also prioritizing trauma-sensitive practices and social-emotional learning. Her work has helped foster a positive school climate, with high levels of staff and family engagement and a strong culture of respect and inclusion.

Before becoming principal in 2012, Loss served as an assistant principal, literacy coach, and educator within Milwaukee Public Schools. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and additional credentials in administrative leadership and Montessori education. 

She is also a leader in the broader Montessori community, having served as president of the Wisconsin Montessori Association and presenting at regional and national conferences.

“On behalf of AWSA, I am proud to congratulate Catherine Loss on being named the 2026 Wisconsin Elementary School Principal of the Year,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch. “She has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to students and families, creating a school where all learners can grow and succeed. Her leadership is an inspiration.” 

2026 Wisconsin Middle School Principal of the Year Jamie Thomas

The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has named Jamie Thomas as its 2026 Middle School Principal of the Year.

From left: Jim Lynch, AWSA Executive Director, Ms. Jamie Thomas, Aaron Tarnutzer, McFarland Superintendent,
and Stuart Russ, AWSA Board President

Thomas serves as principal of Indian Mound Middle School in the McFarland School District. There, she has focused on building a school culture rooted in belonging, equity, and continuous improvement, ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and challenged to succeed.

Under Thomas’s leadership, Indian Mound has become one of the top-performing middle schools in Dane County. The school has consistently ranked among the top three in the county on the FORWARD exam in multiple subject areas, with students often performing more than 20 percentage points above the state average. She has also led efforts to close achievement gaps through the implementation of equitable multi-level systems of support, targeted instructional practices, and a strong culture of data-informed decision-making.

“Jamie is a visionary and compassionate leader who has transformed Indian Mound Middle School into a place where all students can thrive,” said McFarland School District Superintendent Aaron Tarnutzer. “Her commitment to equity, student achievement, and building meaningful relationships has had a profound impact on both the school community and student outcomes.”

Thomas emphasizes a collaborative leadership approach, empowering staff and students while fostering strong partnerships with families and the community. She has expanded student leadership opportunities, strengthened school-community connections through mentorship and career exploration programs, and created systems that support both academic success and social-emotional growth.

Before becoming principal at Indian Mound Middle School in 2022, Thomas served as principal and associate principal at Badger Ridge Middle School in the Verona Area School District. She began her career in education as a school social worker and has held a variety of leadership roles . She holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and additional licensure in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, and student services through Viterbo University.

“On behalf of AWSA, I am proud to congratulate Jamie Thomas on being named the 2026 Wisconsin Middle School Principal of the Year,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch. “She leads with purpose and heart, creating a school environment where students and staff feel valued and empowered. Her work exemplifies school leadership in Wisconsin.”

2026 Wisconsin High School Principal of the Year Dr. Russ Gerke

The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has named Dr. Russ Gerke as its 2026 High School Principal of the Year. 

From left: Jim Lynch, AWSA Executive Director, Dr. Russ Gerke, Jason Lau, West De Pere Superintendent,
and Stuart Russ, AWSA Board President

Dr. Gerke serves as principal of West De Pere High School in the School District of West De Pere. With more than two decades of leadership at the school, he has built a strong culture of collaboration, high expectations, and continuous improvement that has driven sustained student success.

Under Gerke’s leadership, West De Pere High School has consistently earned an “Exceeds Expectations” rating on the Wisconsin State Report Card and maintains a nearly 100 percent graduation rate. The school has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report and ranked among the top high schools in Wisconsin.

“Dr. Gerke is an exceptional leader who has dedicated his career to serving students and building a culture of excellence at West De Pere High School,” said West De Pere Superintendent Jason Lau. “His focus on collaboration, innovation, and meeting the needs of all learners has had a lasting impact on our students, staff, and community.”

Gerke has led the development of innovative programs that expand opportunities for students and support diverse learning needs. These include alternative education pathways, such as West Academy, co-taught “Align” courses that support inclusive instruction, and targeted interventions like Math Seminar to strengthen foundational skills. He has also built strong partnerships with local organizations and colleges, creating opportunities for students to earn college credit and explore career pathways through programs like the Trades Career Academy and healthcare certifications.

A strong advocate for shared leadership, Gerke established a Faculty Council that empowers teachers to play a central role in school decision making and continuous improvement. His commitment to professional learning and collaboration has helped foster a culture in which staff feel supported, valued, and focused on improving outcomes for all students.

Gerke has served as principal of West De Pere High School since 2004, after previously serving as associate principal. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Edgewood College and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Marian College.

“On behalf of AWSA, I am proud to congratulate Russ Gerke on being named the 2026 Wisconsin High School Principal of the Year,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch. “His dedication to students, staff, and community, along with his commitment to continuous improvement, exemplifies outstanding school leadership.”

Supported by the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, the Principal of the Year award recognizes school leaders who have helped drive student learning, foster instructional collaboration, and create safe and positive school environments. Recipients are selected based on their dedication to professional excellence, leadership skills and service to their communities.