Wisconsin Superintendent Advocates for Elimination of School Choice Amid Election Campaign

Wisconsin Superintendent Advocates for Elimination of School Choice Amid Election Campaign

As the election approaches, Wisconsin’s State Superintendent Jill Underly voiced her intention to eliminate school choice in the state. Underly, who is seeking re-election, made her position clear during a recent school event.

Superintendent’s Perspective on School Choice

At an event in mid-March, Underly expressed her views on school choice, stating, “It sounds appealing, doesn’t it? Who wouldn’t want a choice in education? However, in Wisconsin, it translates to the privatization of public schools.” This statement underscores her belief that the current school choice system undermines public education.

When questioned about her stance on the voucher school system, she responded emphatically. “Ultimately, yes, I would like to see it eliminated. We are spending so much money on it that it’s taking resources from our public schools,” she affirmed.

Background on Jill Underly

Underly was first elected as Wisconsin’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2021. During her initial campaign, it was revealed that her children attended private school between 2013 and 2015. Following her appointment as the superintendent for the Pecatonica School District in 2015, her children transitioned to attending public schools.

Reflecting on her past choices, Underly stated, “Like most families, my husband and I balanced careers, childcare needs, and transportation issues along with our children’s education. We opted for Catholic school during kindergarten as our district did not offer all-day pre-K at the time. As our children grew older, their educational needs were better met by public schools.”

Opposition from Brittany Kinser

Underly’s opponent, Brittany Kinser, has a different outlook on school choice. A former special education teacher and current elementary school principal, Kinser supports the school choice system. In a recent interview, Kinser articulated her belief in a variety of educational options, stating, “I believe in our traditional public schools, open enrollment, our private school voucher program, public charter schools, virtual schooling, and homeschooling. All these options are essential for families to choose what best suits their child.”

The History of School Choice in Wisconsin

Wisconsin implemented its first school choice program in 1989 for low-income students in Milwaukee. Over the years, the program expanded, allowing many families access to educational alternatives. These school choice programs now cater to a broader demographic, encompassing all students but subject to residency and income criteria.

Currently, families across the state can choose to send their children to public, private, or charter schools based on financial limits and other prerequisites. This opportunity raises ongoing discussions about educational funding and access.

Critique of Underly’s Position

Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty’s research director, Will Flanders, contested Underly’s assertion that school choice is overly expensive. “Wisconsin’s school choice programs are significantly less costly for taxpayers than traditional public schools,” Flanders remarked. “Choice schools receive approximately 75% of the funding per student compared to public schools. This indicates either a misunderstanding or a misrepresentation of the facts by Dr. Underly.”

Support for School Choice

Corey DeAngelis, a senior fellow at the American Culture Project, supports the idea that school choice empowers parents. He explained, “School choice doesn’t take money from public schools. Rather, public schools take funds from families. Wisconsin’s school choice initiatives simply return the funding to the rightful owners—the parents.”

Looking Ahead

The debate over school choice in Wisconsin continues as voters head to the polls. Jill Underly’s campaign focuses on the importance of public education, while Brittany Kinser advocates for diverse educational options. This discussion reflects broader trends across the United States, where educational policies evolve to meet the needs of families.

As opinions diverge on the future of education, the outcome of this election may significantly influence the direction of Wisconsin’s school choice policies. With strong arguments on both sides, the conversation is poised to remain at the forefront of educational discourse in the state.

Fox News Digital attempted to reach both Underly and Kinser for further comments on their respective positions but did not receive an immediate response.