MADISON–Wisconsin State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jill Underly delivered the annual State of Education address today, outlining her priorities for Wisconsin’s public schools in the upcoming year. Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) issued the following statement in response:
“Every child in Wisconsin has a constitutional right to an adequately funded public education. Public schools are the heart of our communities, as well as massive economic engines. Investing in our public schools is important because we know that what’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state.
“Dr. Jill Underly outlined her priorities for Wisconsin public schools that reflect the values and needs of my constituents:
- Increasing teacher pay to ensure kids have quality, qualified teachers;
- Bringing more mental health resources and staff to schools to address behavioral and mental health issues in students;
- Ensuring that students and staff have the support they need;
- Increasing special education reimbursement to stop schools from pulling money from their general funds to cover special education costs;
- Indexing per-pupil funding to inflation;
- Teachers are one of Wisconsin’s most important resources.
“I want to highlight the words that Dr. Underly said during her speech today. On student mental health, Dr. Underly said, ‘The DPI’s next biennial budget request will again ask that we fully fund mental health aid for our students. We know what works, so let’s fund it. Help us build momentum by letting your legislators know this is a top priority for you.’
“On the importance of teachers, Dr. Underly said, ‘Teachers are one of Wisconsin’s most important resources. We shouldn’t take their work, their service, and professionalism for granted. We cannot continue on this path and still expect quality educational outcomes for our kids.’
“On the importance of investing in public education, Dr. Underly said, ‘To build, we need to invest. 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.’
“Funding the public schools adequately shouldn’t be a partisan issue–after all, an adequately funded public school is a constitutional right! Without increased special education and per-pupil funding, schools will continue to rely on referendums to make up the funding gap. My constituents will have to make the tough decision of raising their own taxes or forcing program cuts, forgoing building upgrades (including bringing schools up to ADA compliance), and reducing the quality of education for students. We must work together as a legislature to find bipartisan solutions to sustainably fund our schools and ensure that Wisconsin students receive the quality education that they deserve, so that we move forward, together.”
Rep. Vining represents the 14th Assembly District, which includes parts of Wauwatosa and West Allis. For more information, visit Rep. Vining’s website here.
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