Dr. Jill Underly issued an urgent call to action In her annual State of Education Address

In her annual State of Education Address delivered at the Wisconsin State Capitol, State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly issued an urgent call to action, emphasizing the essential role public education plays in maintaining American democracy. Speaking directly to students, educators, and state leaders, Dr. Underly highlighted the historical significance of public schooling while cautioning that current funding models threaten its future stability across the state.

Addressing the ongoing challenges faced by local communities, Dr. Underly pointed to the state's school funding formula as a primary source of strain. With over 90 percent of Wisconsin school districts relying on local referendums over the past nine years to maintain basic operations and retaining staff, she urged lawmakers and citizens to unite behind long-term structural reforms rather than continuing to pass financial burdens onto taxpayers and local school boards.

Concluding her speech, Dr. Underly framed the decision ahead as a defining moment for Wisconsin's legacy. She reminded leaders that past generations invested heavily in public institutions to ensure opportunity for all, and called on current decision-makers to make the same sustained commitment for future students and communities.