The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance (WiRSA) is proud to name Gerald (Gerry) Roethel of the Westby Area School District as the 2025 Rural School Board Member of the Year. Roethel has served on the Westby school board for 11 years, including as Board President, guiding the district through the 2018 floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the passage of multiple referenda that strengthened district finances. A former math teacher and Coulee Region United Educators director, Roethel has dedicated his career to supporting students, staff, and rural communities. He has also championed innovative opportunities such as the Health Science Academy and Trades Academy, while serving on the CESA Board of Control and WiRSA Board of Directors. His leadership, fairness, and lifelong commitment to public education have left a lasting mark on Westby and rural schools across Wisconsin.