Madison – Yesterday, State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly give her second State of Education address, outlining the opportunities and challenges in Wisconsin’s K-12 schools. Representative Dave Considine (D-Baraboo) released the following statement on her speech:
“I am encouraged to hear Dr. Underly’s address today which highlighted the importance of investing in public education for our kids, communities, democracy, and future. I agree that the key to building a strong state is investing in our foundation – education. The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) does just that, by requesting a per pupil aid increase to $350, with a $600 increase in the second year. This would prevent further increases in property taxes while strengthening our schools. DPI’s request also provides support in areas that have been stretched thin for far too long – special education and mental health. By investing $750 million in special education over the biennium, our state would finally meet the requests that teachers and parents have been asking the state to make for decades.
“I appreciate Dr. Underly’s emphasis on equity in education. It is essential that all kids have the appropriate tools needed to succeed in their own way. This means funding special education and mental health services. We also need to assure kids that they belong. During the state of education address, Dr. Underly spoke about the importance of belonging in our schools in order to build a strong community. I wholeheartedly agree that all kids, regardless of who they are, are better off if they are able to feel a shared sense of community. I will always fight for our students to feel safe and included in their schools and communities.”
“We must continue to improve our K-12 schools, and I believe Dr. Underly’s leadership can take us there.”
