Jill Underly, Wisconsin’s state superintendent of public instruction, recently delivered a passionate State of Education address, emphasizing the urgent need for increased funding for public schools. “Let me be clear: We have more than enough money in this state to fully fund our public schools, and it’s time we used it,” she stated. Underly highlighted the alarming trend of teacher attrition, with only 60% of new teachers remaining in the profession after six years. She also addressed the mental health crisis among students, revealing that over one-third of high school students feel sad and hopeless. Underly called for a significant increase in funding for special education, advocating for a reimbursement rate of at least 60%. She urged state legislators to release necessary funding for literacy education, stating: “Our kids deserve better.” The address underscored the interconnectedness of funding, teacher retention, and student well-being in Wisconsin’s education system.
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