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Content referencing Department of Public Instruction
6 Contested Circuit Court Races on April 7 Ballot
19 of 25 circuit court races in Wisconsin are uncontested. Which counties have races?
Apr 6th, 2026 by Henry Redman
Evers Vetoes GOP Bill Ending Tax on Overtime and Tips
Also vetos bill requiring counties to cooperate with ICE, and killing 400-year veto.
Apr 4th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
Evers Vetoes Bill to Join Federal Tax Credits for Voucher Scholarships
'Runs roughshod over public education,' governor says. MMAC disagrees.
Mar 31st, 2026 by Corrinne Hess
Evers Vetoes GOP Bill With Limits on School Referendum Requests
One of three Republican education-related bills the governor vetoed.
Mar 28th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
Crowley Hires New Budget Director
He taps Nick Sinram, MPS budget director, to manage county's $1.4 billion budget.
Mar 18th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
70 School Districts Have Referendums on April Ballots
Three districts in Wisconsin talk about why they need financial help.
Mar 17th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
Opees Celebrate Open Government Champions
Winners include public officials, nonprofits and journalists.
Mar 16th, 2026 by Bill Lueders
68 of 72 Wisconsin Counties Face Decline in Public School Students
Decades-long trend has districts across state considering closing, merging schools.
Mar 16th, 2026 by Corrinne Hess
Evers Signs Bills Targeting Grooming, Tightening School Communication Rules
New laws create a felony grooming offense and require all schools to set clear contact policies by September.
Mar 6th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
Milwaukee Public Schools Reaches Highest Graduation Rate In 16 Years
MPS hits 72% on-time graduation as state numbers climb and absenteeism trends downward statewide.
Mar 5th, 2026 by Corrinne Hess
New Report Finds North Side Schools Failing Black Students
Students underperforming their peers in every state, City Forward Collective finds.
Mar 1st, 2026 by Alex Klaus
Who Will Run the Next Election in Small-Town Wisconsin?
Aging clerks are hard to replace; and the state’s election system depends on them.
Feb 25th, 2026 by Alexander Shur
Wisconsin Assembly Is Done Legislating for 2026
Here's what lawmakers got done -- and left unfinished.
Feb 23rd, 2026 by Brittany Carloni
Senate Republicans Push Trans Bills Despite Likely Vetoes
Measures would ban transition surgeries for minors, restrict transgender athletes and reshape who controls state agency rules.
Feb 12th, 2026 by Rich Kremer
Milwaukee Schools Have Low Level of Dual Enrollment Participation
College level courses less likely at schools with high rates of poverty.
Feb 10th, 2026 by Corrinne Hess
Legislators Withhold Funding to DPI Over Resort Spending
DPI denies it was travel junket, says funding cutoff may force job layoffs.
Feb 4th, 2026 by Corrinne Hess
GOP Plan Would Expand Online Mental Health Help for Wisconsin Teens
Pilot program would give at least 50,000 high school students access to virtual counseling and peer support.
Jan 22nd, 2026 by Corrinne Hess
DPI Returns Final $8 Million Withheld From MPS
The funding was held back after MPS missed key financial reporting deadlines, triggering state scrutiny and a corrective plan.
Jan 16th, 2026 by Corrinne Hess
Evers Calls on Republicans to Offer Property Tax Relief
Discussing his final year in office, objects to immigration crackdown.
Jan 13th, 2026 by Anya van Wagtendonk
MPS Website Presents New Face to Community
Revised site is more photo-heavy, informative and user-friendly.
Jan 11th, 2026 by Terry Falk
Bill Requires School Rules to Prevent Staff Grooming Students
To prevent sexual misconduct, policies must define appropriate interactions.
Jan 10th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
More Recess? Bill Would Give Every Student Council Candidate Their Wish
Proposal would mandate at least 60 minutes of recess through 6th grade.
Jan 8th, 2026 by Evan Casey
More Wisconsin Teachers Have Only Emergency Licenses
Up 20% since 2022. Schools face key staffing shortages, WPF report finds.
Dec 30th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Wisconsin Libraries and Museums See Federal Grants Restored
Patrons of all ages put pressure on members of Congress with postcard campaign.
Dec 17th, 2025 by Richelle Wilson
Health Care Costs Are Overwhelming Wisconsin Teacher Salaries
Data shows average teacher spends 20% of their salary on health care benefits.
Dec 10th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Report Shows More Than 1 in 3 Wisconsin Students Need Reading Intervention
Problem is worst for 1st graders, new state report shows.
Dec 5th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
State Literacy Report Says 36% of Youngest Students ‘At Risk’
36% of 4K through third grade Wisconsin students below 25th percentile for reading.
Dec 3rd, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Wisconsin High Schools Seek to Offer More College Classes
But it often means teachers must go back to school for graduate degree.
Dec 2nd, 2025 by Miranda Dunlap and Natalie Yahr
MPS and Carmen Are Breaking Up
Charter network must find a new home for all of its schools.
Nov 21st, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Estimating Failure Results in Special Education Aid Falling Short of Touted Record Level
Result could be more school district referendums.
Nov 21st, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Assembly Passes GOP Bill That Encourages School District Mergers
Other bills focus on school discipline, teacher licensing.
Nov 20th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Republican Bill Encourages School District Mergers
As enrollment declines in Wisconsin, can consolidation create efficiencies, save money?
Nov 13th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Most Wisconsin Schools Meet or Exceed Expectations on State Report Cards
But critics say DPI report leave parents guessing about which schools are best.
Nov 12th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
The Fear Factor at MPS
Board members, new superintendent, new media person push openness, transparency.
Nov 11th, 2025 by Terry Falk
Judge Rules Trump Administration Must Send Wisconsin $8 Million
Ruling follows April decision by Trump to stop $1 billion in mental health grants over 'diversity, equity and inclusion.'
Oct 30th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Wisconsin Is Creating 2 School Systems
At what point will taxpayers rebel against the high costs?
Oct 29th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
Lawmakers Ask For AG Opinion on Alleged Loophole in Teacher Grooming Cases
Contentious legislative hearing follows news report finding 200 school investigations of sexual misconduct or grooming.
Oct 24th, 2025 by Rich Kremer
Audit Finds a Quarter of Wisconsin Schools Missed Financial Deadlines
Legislative Audit Bureau report recommends changes to DPI to improve procedures.
Oct 21st, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
School Aid Shrinks for 7 in 10 Wisconsin Districts
Most districts see aid cuts as $350 million shifts to private programs.
Oct 17th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Hundreds of Wisconsin Teacher Misconduct Cases Shielded from Public
DPI has investigated hundreds of cases, many involving 'grooming.'
Oct 16th, 2025 by Danielle DuClos
Federal Special Education Layoffs Worry Wisconsin Education Advocates
Trump administration also cut funds for Wisconsin program that attracts and retains special ed teachers.
Oct 15th, 2025 by Lorin Cox
Dual Enrollment Bill Aims To Make It Easier For High Schoolers To Take College Classes
One-in-four high school students already participate, but with stark divides based on district.
Oct 14th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
After MPS Issue, GOP Lawmakers Would Require Financial Reporting Before Referendums
Bill would bar districts that haven't reported figures to state from advancing a referendum.
Oct 5th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Where ‘Monday Processing’ and Other Election Changes Stand
Republicans, Democrats have competing proposals, but proponents pledge to work together.
Sep 30th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
New Wisconsin School Test Data Shows Alarming Racial Disparities
Just under half of Wisconsin’s third through eighth graders are performing at grade level in math and reading.
Sep 26th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
State Legislators At Odds on Election Bills
But committee leaders promise 'civil conversations' in effort to meet 'the moment.'
Sep 25th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Federal Funds Cut for WI Program Serving Children with Hearing and Vision Loss
US Department of Education cuts another nearly $11 million in grants to state.
Sep 10th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
MPS Superintendent Faces Uphill Battle Rebuilding Community Trust
Brenda Cassellius aims to improve a school district dogged by tough issues.
Aug 29th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
State Releases $16 Million Withheld from Milwaukee Public Schools
State Superintendent Jill Underly says MPS made progress on financial reports.
Aug 20th, 2025 by Deneen Smith
School Report Cards Being Updated, But Major Changes Need Legislative Approval
DPI says updates are a necessary step to ensure the system remains fair.
Aug 15th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
New Report Finds Serious Issues With MPS HR Department
The issues are indicative of the district's lack of an identity.
Aug 11th, 2025 by Terry Falk
Tony Evers Confirms He Won’t Seek Third Term
First open race for governor since 2010.
Jul 24th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Southside School Hops Charter Networks
Rocketship takes Stellar from Carmen and everyone is happy.
Jul 21st, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin Joins States Suing Trump For Withholding Education Funds
24 states challenge withdrawal of $6.8 billion just before school year to begin.
Jul 15th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Waukesha School District Considers Closing Schools
District cites enrollment decline. Parents say likely plans target Hispanic families.
Jul 2nd, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Lawmakers Release Funds for Literacy But Delay Much of State Budget
Joint Finance Committee can't decide funding for UW system, Medicaid, child care.
Jun 28th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Wisconsin Supreme Court Overrules Gov. Evers Partial Veto Of Reading Bill
Court rules it was not appropriations bill so Evers couldn't use partial veto.
Jun 25th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Trump Budget Would Ax Funds for State’s After-School Learning Centers
They serve 20,000 students at 168 sites in high-poverty districts across Wisconsin.
Jun 25th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Republican Bill Changes How Wisconsin Pays for Voucher Schools
Backers say 'decoupling' will save taxpayers money, report disputes this.
Jun 23rd, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
MPS Should Overhaul Curriculum, Teacher Training, Report Finds
2nd independent audit commissioned by Gov. Evers suggest sweeping changes.
Jun 15th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Reading Instruction Program for Milwaukee Teachers a Great Idea
It could transform the world for Milwaukee’s young learners.
Jun 11th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
Wisconsin Republicans Support ‘Junk Food’ Ban
Legislators target SNAP spending on candy, soda, inspired by RFK Jr.'s campaign.
May 27th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Wisconsin’s 4th and 8th Graders Rank Above Average in Math
But state has room for improvement in basic math literacy.
May 24th, 2025 by Royce Podeszwa
MPS Is Again Behind on Financial Reports, Could Lose State Funding
School district missed first deadline to submit 2024 financial data to state DPI.
May 19th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Wisconsin Schools Losing $8 Million in Federal Mental Health Grants
Trump administration killing $1 billion program, claiming civil rights violations.
May 4th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
As Wisconsin Teachers Grapple With AI, Trump Calls for Greater Use
His executive order pushes artificial intelligence. State educators have mixed views.
Apr 29th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Number of Wisconsin Students Who Are Homeless Is Rising
13.5% of students in Beloit schools. 'Highest number I've seen.'
Apr 29th, 2025 by Nick Rommel
Federal Funding Cuts Could Shrink Wisconsin Libraries’ Services
A 'direct blow' to public libraries across the state.
Apr 21st, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Underly Says Wisconsin Schools Won’t Comply With Feds Anti-DEI Requirement
Underly, under threat of losing funding, says Wisconsin schools are already in compliance with federal law.
Apr 18th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Bipartisan Proposal Would Revive Pre-Kindergarten Program
Two-year pilot would fund reading readiness at child care centers.
Apr 18th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Few Wisconsin Teacher Prep Programs Devote Enough Time to Math?
So says new report. 23% of Wisconsin 4th graders lack basic math knowledge.
Apr 8th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Wisconsin Schools Have 10 Days To Kill DEI Programs Or Risk Losing Federal Funding
Federal order places Title I funding for low-income students at risk.
Apr 4th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Underly Wins Second Term as State Superintendent
Underly defeats challenger Brittany Kinser in hotly-contested race.
Apr 1st, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
State Audit Reveals How Wisconsin Relies on Federal Funds
Audit Bureau details $18.6 billion in assistance, and a need for better records in certain areas.
Mar 29th, 2025 by Joe Schulz
Evers Vetoes Bill That Would Have Changed School Testing Standards
GOP-backed bill had passed largely along party lines.
Mar 28th, 2025 by Nick Rommel
What Exactly Does The Department of Public Instruction Do?
The Underly-Kinser race has brought great attention to a department few understand.
Mar 28th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Federal Funding Cuts Threaten Small Wisconsin Libraries
Trump order is 'going to disproportionately impact rural communities.'
Mar 27th, 2025 by Danielle Kaeding
How Federal Education Cuts Will Hurt Wisconsin
Big cuts for public schools, poor and disabled students, school lunches and more.
Mar 26th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
State Superintendent Race Has Big Stakes
Incumbent Jill Underly faces tough challenge by Brittany Kinser.
Mar 24th, 2025 by Steven Walters
Underly, Kinser Trade Barbs in Only Forum Before Election
Candidates spar over voucher schools, performance standards in lone joint appearance, a virtual forum.
Mar 20th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Republican Bill Changing Student Testing Benchmarks Heads to Governor
Gov. Evers has previously said he would 'probably' veto proposal.
Mar 19th, 2025 by Shawn Johnson
Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Likely to Double Spending Record
Higher conservative spending for that race and for state superintendent.
Mar 18th, 2025 by Erik Gunn
Early, In-Person Voting Begins for April 1 Election
March 18 is start of early voting for spring election headed by Supreme Court race.
Mar 18th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Wisconsin’s Largest Voucher School Will Pull In $40 Million in 2025
Christian school Academy of Excellence in Milwaukee a leader in state voucher funds.
Mar 15th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
USDA Ends Program That Brought Locally-Grown Food To Pantries, Schools
Program paid Wisconsin farmers more than $11 million since 2022 inception.
Mar 13th, 2025 by Nick Rommel
GOAT Gets Started in State Legislature
Committee that is Wisconsin's version of DOGE seeks proof that state employees are really working.
Mar 12th, 2025 by Rich Kremer
Wisconsin High School Graduation Rates Improve, Absenteeism Drops, Milwaukee Lags
Graduation rates highest in history, but still vary starkly by race, location.
Mar 7th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Evers Warns Trump Tariffs Will Harm Wisconsin
'This is not good for our country. It sucks. It’s bad.'
Mar 4th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Wisconsin Faces Teacher Retention Problem
State graduating many teachers but 44% leave profession within 7 years.
Mar 4th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos Says He’s ‘Tight’ With Trump
In 2022 Vos told his party to move on from Trump. Now he's defending president.
Feb 26th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Trump Admin Cuts Funding For MPS, UW-Madison Teacher Training
Teacher partnership grant would have trained 36 special education teachers.
Feb 23rd, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Assembly Passes Bill Banning Cell Phones in Classrooms
Republicans say ban would improve learning and mental health. Democrats call it an unnecessary attack on local control.
Feb 20th, 2025 by Rich Kremer
Bill Creates Observance Day in Schools for Civil Rights Pioneer Vel Phillips
There are currently 21 special observance days in Wisconsin public schools.
Feb 19th, 2025 by Evan Casey
Underly, Kinser Advance in State Superintendent Race
Incumbent Jill Underly takes first, will face conservative-backed Brittany Kinser.
Feb 18th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
$50 Million for Reading Instruction Will Return to State Surplus
Supreme Court won't rule on Evers vs. Legislature battle before end of fiscal year.
Feb 17th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Federal Funds Uncertainty Threatens State Budget
$28 billion of projected two-year budget is supposed to come from federal funds.
Feb 17th, 2025 by Steven Walters
GOP Lawmakers Propose School Water Filters to Address PFAS, Lead
Schools would also need to develop sampling and testing process.
Feb 14th, 2025 by Danielle Kaeding
MPS Audit Finds ‘Culture of Fear and Reluctance to Change’
But "prime opportunity" to overcome to get things right. Governor proposes $8 million in support.
Feb 13th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Superintendent Candidate Jeff Wright Says He’ll Improve Communication With Public, Legislature
Wright is one of three candidates running in Feb. 18 primary.
Feb 13th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
State Superintendent Jill Underly Running as Public Education Champion
'We need people in the Legislature who will fight for public schools, too,' incumbent says.
Feb 11th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
