In a heartfelt address delivered at the Wisconsin State Capitol, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly made a passionate plea for increased funding for public schools, underscoring a critical need for equitable resources to ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging. “We have more than enough money in this state to fully fund our public schools, and it’s time we used it,” she asserted, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing education amid a budget surplus estimated at $3.1 billion.
Underly’s address highlighted pressing challenges faced by the state’s K-12 education system, particularly the alarming trend of young teachers leaving the profession. With only 60% of new teachers remaining employed after six years, she urged for better compensation to retain talent. “If we want to keep our teachers—the ones who make such a huge impact on the lives of our kids—we need to pay them for the important work they do,” she said, advocating for fair salaries that reflect the value educators bring to their communities.
Addressing the mental health crisis affecting Wisconsin youth, Underly shared sobering statistics: over one-third of high school students reported feeling sad and hopeless. She called for increased funding for in-school mental health resources, emphasizing the urgent need to support students grappling with overwhelming pressures, including concerns about school safety.
Moreover, Underly urged for enhanced state reimbursement for special education, which currently covers only one-third of costs, placing financial strain on school districts. She recommended increasing the reimbursement rate to at least 60% to alleviate this burden.
In closing, Underly stressed the necessity for legislative action to support education initiatives, including implementing effective reading programs and combating efforts to remove books from school libraries. “Our kids deserve better,” she proclaimed, calling on state legislators to prioritize funding that will strengthen Wisconsin’s public education system.
As discussions around education funding continue, it is clear that investing in our schools is not just an educational issue but a moral imperative that will shape the future of Wisconsin’s children.
