Wisconsin State Superintendent urges leadership support, criticizes federal policy in annual address

Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly on Thursday delivered the annual State of Education address at the state capitol. 

She praised schools for their achievements, such as record high graduation rates, academic performance rising above national averages, and statewide growth in STEM, career, and technical education programs. 

“Across Wisconsin our public schools are strong,” she said. “They are resilient places where every child belongs, where diversity is celebrated, not demonized. Where differences aren’t feared, but embraced, and seen as opportunities to grow together as human beings.”

She highlighted schools like West De Pere High School and Mahone Middle School in Kenosha for leadership in sustainability. She also praised the Adams-Friendship Area School District, which has created free after-school programs, improved early intervention, and supported students amid funding challenges.

“Educators are stepping up, innovating out of necessity, embracing new teaching methods, reimagining how to support students despite limited resources,” Underly said. 

Underly also called on state lawmakers to boost support for public education through increased education funding, addressing staffing shortages, and providing mental health resources. 

She says pride does not replace sustainable funding for schools.

“But we must begin with pride, because there is so much to be proud of,” she said.

Underly also criticized the federal government for threatening to revoke resources schools depend on to serve their most vulnerable students.

“At a time when we should be uniting to support our kids, our educators and our schools, we’re instead seeing attacks driven by nothing more than political agendas and hatred,” she said. 

Underly said both state and federal leaders should step up support for public education. She urged leadership to continue to support public schools in creating new learning methods, compensating teachers, and protecting mental health services. 

“The future isn’t red. The future isn’t blue,” she said. “The future of Wisconsin is sitting in our classrooms right now. And this is our wake-up call.”

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