NPE Action endorses Dr. Jill Underly for Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction
NPE Action is proud to endorse Dr. Jill Underly for Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction. Dr. Underly is the product of great public schools. She attended public institutions for her undergraduate degree, both of her master’s degrees and her doctorate. She has seen firsthand the life-changing and economic impact that public education can have on individuals and families. As a district superintendent, she had strong relationships with school board members and community stakeholders. She worked collaboratively toward a shared goal: a high-quality public school system for our community. She has continued to do that during her tenure as Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Dr. Underly has been the Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction since 2021 and ran to end the glaring inequalities within Wisconsin’s public school systems. She focused on fixing the funding formula, uplifting the teaching profession, and ensuring students had access to mental health resources, special education services, and a robust curriculum. As a former rural school superintendent, she was committed to fighting for opportunities for every child, regardless of their zip code, to access the best public education possible. Looking ahead, her biennial budget request for 2025-27 reflects these priorities. She will continue to advocate tirelessly to ensure every child in Wisconsin has access to the high-quality public education they deserve. Dr. Underly’s top priority is public school funding and stopping the encroachment of privatization into public school funding in Wisconsin. Dr. Underly told NPE Action, “Wisconsin public schools have been chronically underfunded, and my priority is to get spendable revenue into our public schools.” Jill will also continue to prioritize high-quality early childhood experiences, affordable childcare, full-day 4K, and early special education interventions. She will continue to support a high-quality, well-educated, and prepared, and well-compensated teacher workforce.
NPE Action asked Dr. Underly where she stands on vouchers, virtual/online schools, and class size. Here is what she shared with us:
Vouchers: “ I am 100% opposed to traditional vouchers, ESA vouchers, and tax credits that funnel public money to private and parochial schools. Public funds should be used to strengthen public schools, which serve the vast majority of students and are accountable to the public.”
Virtual/Online Schools: “I don’t believe that virtual or online schools are adequately educating our students, as there are critical components of schooling—such as social interaction, hands-on learning, and access to extracurricular opportunities—that are missing in a 100% virtual environment.”
Class Size: “Yes, class size absolutely matters. Research consistently shows that smaller class sizes can have a significant positive impact on student outcomes, particularly in the early grades and in subjects where individualized attention is critical. I support legislation or policy changes aimed at reducing class sizes, but these efforts must be accompanied by increased funding for public schools.”
Throughout her adult life, she has been deeply protective of the democratic institution of public education and has consistently stepped up to defend it against denigration, dismantling, and attack. Her own experiences have reinforced her commitment as a parent of a child with special needs and by witnessing the transformative impact of public education on countless family members, friends, and former students. She recognizes that public education is a space that accepts all children unconditionally and provides them with opportunities to thrive. NPE Action urges public education supporters in Wisconsin to get out the vote for Dr. Jill Underly in the general election on April 1st.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee. Authorized and paid for by Network for Public Education Action, PO Box 227. New York, NY 10156. 646-678-4477.