The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance (WiRSA) is proud to announce that Mitch Wainwright, Superintendent of the Mineral Point Unified School District, has been named the 2025 Administrator of the Year. Wainwright, who has devoted more than 40 years to rural education, is recognized for his student-first leadership, approachable style, and deep commitment to community. Since becoming superintendent in 2018, he has successfully guided Mineral Point through multiple referenda, steady enrollment growth, and garnered statewide recognition for both academics and extracurricular activities. Known for greeting students each morning, supporting staff, and even stepping into classrooms as “Zippy Zero” to make learning fun, Wainwright exemplifies servant leadership. Beyond Mineral Point, he serves on local and state committees, and his career includes a Hall of Fame legacy as a girls’ basketball coach. WiRSA is honored to celebrate Mitch Wainwright as a leader who truly “shows up” every day for students, staff, and families across rural Wisconsin. (Press Release)