Iowa City School Administrator Named 2026 Iowa High School Principal of the Year

Mitch Gross, principal of Iowa City West High School, has been selected as the 2026 Iowa High School Principal of the Year by School Administrators of Iowa (SAI).

“Mitch was selected by a group of his peers due to his dedication to equity, instructional leadership, and creating a positive school culture which clearly demonstrates his exemplary contributions to Iowa City West High School. SAI applauds the committee’s work in selecting Mitch for this recognition,” said SAI Executive Director Dr. Lisa Remy.

The selection committee, which included 2025 High School Principal of the Year recipient Nicole Roder, shared their reasoning for the choice. “Mitch was one of four excellent candidates for this award. He stood out for his outstanding contributions to the profession, his school, and his community. His passion for being a strong educational leader and mentor to his staff and students is very evident and he goes above and beyond to work to make Iowa City West a top notch place to learn,” Roder said.

A reference letter submitted by a West teacher on Gross’s behalf highlighted his deep commitment to supporting all students:

“Mitch’s passion for education is rooted in his belief that it is an instrument for social change and a place for students to be their true, authentic selves. His deeply held convictions about equity and justice, which were clearly evident when he taught social studies, are even more prominent now as an administrator. Mitch lives by the belief that ‘doing the right thing is often the hard thing.’”

Gross has served the Iowa City Community School District for more than 20 years. He started as a teacher and coach in 2003 and later accepted an assistant principal position in 2018. He began his current role as principal of Iowa City West High School in 2020.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Ripon College. He also obtained a certification in secondary social studies education and a Master of Arts in educational policy and administration from the University of Iowa.

Reflecting on the recognition, Gross expressed his gratitude:

"Being named SAI’s 2026 High School Principal of the Year is deeply meaningful because it comes from my fellow administrators who know better than anyone how demanding and challenging the role of principal can be. I also want to recognize the exceptional administrative team at West High. Any success I have reflects their hard work, commitment, and constant support. I am fortunate to serve alongside such remarkable colleagues. I am equally grateful for our dedicated staff, our outstanding students, our supportive parents, the Iowa City Community School District, and the broader community who make leading this school a true honor.”

Iowa’s Administrator of the Year award recipients will be honored at SAI’s annual conference in August 2026.