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Content referencing Jill Underly
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
In Final State of the State, Evers Pushes School Funding, Fair Maps
Blames Republican for higher property taxes, but still open to tax cut and spending bill.
Feb 18th, 2026 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Should All Students Get Free School Lunches?
Gov. Evers supports it. But will it could hurt poorer school districts?
Feb 1st, 2026 by Terry Falk
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
New Policy Makes It Easier To Transfer Between UW Campuses
But faculty, some students, have concerns over curriculum changes.
Nov 21st, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Lawmakers Criticize DPI Superintendent Underly at Hearing
Concerns include that she sent a deputy to represent DPI.
Nov 6th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Superintendent Jill Underly Makes Changes on Sexual Misconduct
Legislative committee grills her on handling of 'sexual grooming' by teachers.
Nov 5th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
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
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
Hundreds of Wisconsin Teacher Misconduct Cases Shielded from Public
DPI has investigated hundreds of cases, many involving 'grooming.'
Oct 16th, 2025 by Danielle DuClos
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
Top Wisconsin Education Official Calls Federal Government A ‘Bully’
In response, GOP leader says public schools are 'unaccountable.'
Sep 19th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
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
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
State Getting More Liberal, More Conservative
Elections data shows red and blue areas diverging even more.
Aug 6th, 2025 by Bruce Thompson
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
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
Secret Donor to Milwaukee Artist Resource Network Revealed
The story of a wealthy donor who gave millions only to see it wasted.
May 5th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
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
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
Wisconsin Superintendent Says Schools Won’t Obey Federal DEI Order
Underly defies Trump, won't end programs. $216 million in federal funds at risk.
Apr 12th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Did Schimel Get Too Partisan in Election?
The conservative in race for state superintendent was less strident and did better.
Apr 10th, 2025 by Bruce Thompson
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
19 Winners and Losers in Historic Election
Beyond the names on the ballot, who else won or lost in yesterday’s election?
Apr 2nd, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
Underly Wins Second Term as State Superintendent
Underly defeats challenger Brittany Kinser in hotly-contested race.
Apr 1st, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
What The Voters Are Saying on Wisconsin’s Historic Election Day
The nation is watching as voters decide state's pivotal Supreme Court race.
Apr 1st, 2025 by WPR Staff
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
Political Parties Spend Big On State Superintendent Race
Majority of spending on nonpartisan race coming from state Democratic and Republican parties.
Mar 26th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
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
With DPI Race Looming, Poll Shows Growing Dissatisfaction With Public Schools
More than half of people say standards are too low, but 45% admit they don't know what test scores actually are.
Mar 13th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
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
Poll Shows Many Don’t Know About Crawford or Schimel in High Court Race
Marquette Law School poll also finds majority of voters view Elon Musk unfavorably.
Mar 5th, 2025 by Rich Kremer
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
Capitol Rally Backs Public Schools
Advocates call for more state funding. 'Don't let us fade away.'
Mar 1st, 2025 by Baylor Spears
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
Evers Calls For $2 Billion Tax Cut, Historic School Funding
But Republicans said most of his budget proposal would be 'dead on arrival.'
Feb 18th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
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
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
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
State Superintendent Candidate Brittany Kinser Wants Higher Standards
Former teacher, principal and school choice lobbyist calls herself a 'moderate.'
Feb 10th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
State Superintendent Candidate Defends Lack of Education Licenses
Brittany Kinser lacks Wisconsin’s teachers license and current school administrator license.
Feb 7th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Legislative Proposal Would Reverse DPI’s Changes To School Testing
Superintendent Jill Underly criticized for decision to change standards.
Feb 6th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Wisconsin Has Widest Black/White Gap in U.S. in Math, Reading Scores
It's not the first time. 2024 results, and achievement gap, similar to those in 2022.
Jan 29th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Evers Faces Washington, April Elections Headwinds
Will governor run for reelection? Are political winds behind or against Democrats?
Jan 27th, 2025 by Steven Walters
Underly Defends Changing Standards While GOP Lawmakers Propose Reversion
'Confusing at best and misleading at worst,' say lawmakers about DPI changing benchmarks.
Jan 24th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Funding For Wisconsin Reading Law Goes to State Surplus If Not Used by June 30
Republican legislators won't release funds, saying they don't trust how DPI will spend it.
Jan 15th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Milwaukee Public Schools Still Trying To Recoup Money From GOP Insider’s Defunct Nonprofit
Gerard Randall owes MPS for services not provided by Milwaukee Education Partnership.
Jan 10th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Underly Says Critics of Report Card Changes Are ‘Getting It Wrong’
DPI leader's achievement measurement changes have faced criticism from Gov. Evers, Speaker Vos.
Jan 9th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Two Candidates Will Challenge State School Superintendent Jill Underly
Sauk Prairie superintendent Jeff Wright and former principal Brittany Kinser.
Jan 7th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Parents Disappointed By Delay in Switch to Phonics Teaching
DPI and lawmakers blame each other.
Dec 26th, 2024 by Corrinne Hess
A Christmas Gift List For State Officials
What would Tony Evers, Robin Vos, Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson like to get?
Dec 23rd, 2024 by Steven Walters
The Real Problem with Property Taxes
Much of state funding for 'public instruction' doesn't go to the schools.
Dec 16th, 2024 by Ruth Conniff
Tax Bills Trigger School Funding Debate
Property taxes rising for schools. Evers, Democrats call for more state aid.
Dec 16th, 2024 by Steven Walters
Wisconsin Senate Democrats Plan To Work Across The Aisle
With major gains in the number of seats, Democrats see opportunity.
Dec 13th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
‘First of its Kind in Wisconsin’ Collaboration Will Support Disabled Incarcerated Youth
'Break the cycle' program aims to help youth reentering society.
Dec 12th, 2024 by Andrew Kennard
As DEI Efforts Targeted, DPI Leader Wins Diversity Award
Superintendent Jill Underly notes challenges facing minority, LGBTQ+ students.
Dec 9th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
State Superintendent Underly Seeks Reelection, Faces Challenger
Her opponent is Democrat and Sauk Prairie schools superintendent Jeff Wright.
Dec 7th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Universities of Wisconsin to Evaluate Low-Enrollment Programs
Vos says UW request for two-year budget hike of $855 million is a non-starter.
Dec 2nd, 2024 by Corrinne Hess
Proponents Say Universal School Meals Could Help Wisconsin’s Schools
State survey finds students with grades of D’s or F’s more likely to report going hungry.
Nov 28th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Vos ‘Hopes’ Gableman Gets Disbarred
After hiring Michael Gableman to run 2020 election review, Vos now calls former high court justice an 'embarrassment' to all lawyers.
Nov 26th, 2024 by Rich Kremer
State Senate Minority Leader Backs Using Budget Surplus to Fund K-12 Schools
Dianne Hesselbein suggests pairing this with a middle-class tax cut.
Nov 25th, 2024 by Beatrice Lawrence
New State School Report Cards Released
Most districts did well. Milwaukee suburbs lead the way. Changes in format criticized.
Nov 20th, 2024 by Corrinne Hess
State Test Results ‘Worthless’?
Changes in tests make it difficult to measure how MPS students are doing.
Nov 18th, 2024 by Terry Falk
Superintendent Jill Underly Proposes Lead Water Removal Program For Schools
Milwaukee has already targeting replacing lead service lines serving schools.
Nov 15th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Wisconsin DPI’s Proposed 2-Year Budget Seeks $4 Billion in New Spending
State superintendent wants to boost special education funding to 90% of costs.
Nov 11th, 2024 by Corrinne Hess
Kaul Asks State Supreme Court To Order Release of $50 Million Literacy Fund
Dane County judge previously rejected request to release the money. Legislature has held funding.
Oct 31st, 2024 by Corrinne Hess
More Than 100 Wisconsin School Districts Seeking More Funding Through Referendums
Educators say Legislature not adequately funding public schools.
Oct 19th, 2024 by Corrinne Hess
What Will Wisconsin Spend $4.6 Billion Surplus On?
Next budget will have room for investment but Policy Forum expert says lawmakers will need caution.
Oct 17th, 2024 by Joe Schulz
MPS Still Owes Financial Data To State
DPI says school district's financial problems are 'more significant' than expected
Oct 15th, 2024 by Corrinne Hess
State Test Scores Show Nearly Half of Students at Grade Level
Better than last year on reading and math but new tests make comparisons difficult.
Oct 8th, 2024 by Corrinne Hess
State Superintendent Urges Legislature to Hike Special Education Funding
Just 31.5% of costs funded by state, notes Jill Underly. 'This is not nearly enough.'
Sep 29th, 2024 by Corrinne Hess
Wisconsin Students Head Back to School
MPS leaders say the district is in a better place than it has been in years.
Sep 4th, 2024 by Corrinne Hess
Regents Approve UWM Plan For Mass Layoff of Tenured Professors
Layoffs centered on general studies professors from two-year schools merged into UWM.
Aug 23rd, 2024 by Erik Gunn
Wisconsin Student Mental Health Issues Persist, DPI Report Finds
35% of students reported experiencing depression, 20% reported self harm.
Aug 3rd, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Kamala Harris Visits Milwaukee
The new Democratic choice for president mixes a vision statement with attacks on Trump in speech to packed West Allis Central gymnasium.
Jul 23rd, 2024 by Sophie Bolich and Jeramey Jannene
Harris to Visit Milwaukee as Wisconsin Delegates Pledge Support
All eight Milwaukee-area delegates are said to have pledged support for Harris.
Jul 22nd, 2024 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Wisconsin Supreme Court Limits Legislature’s Authority To Block Governor
6-1 decision rules that legislators wrongly blocked DNR stewardship funding.
Jul 7th, 2024 by Sarah Lehr
Dane County Judge Strikes Down Parts of Act 10 Collective Bargaining Law
Lawsuit argues law violates state Constitution by treating different public unions differently.
Jul 4th, 2024 by Rob Mentzer
Legislative Republicans Say State Auditors Will Review MPS
Proposal comes in addition to Governor Tony Evers plan for outside audit.
Jun 27th, 2024 by Corrinne Hess
Mayor Cavalier Johnson Pledges Four Points of MPS Involvement
Including helping select the next superintendent and city administrative support.
Jun 7th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Not Interested in MPS Takeover
Johnson says no to city takeover, adds that all Milwaukee schools should be focused on better outcomes.
Jun 4th, 2024 by Corrinne Hess
Child Care Providers Renew Call for State Funding
Programs struggling to survive. Evers supports more funding, GOP legislators don't.
May 14th, 2024 by Erik Gunn
Biden Hails ‘Transformative’ Microsoft Project in Mount Pleasant
President visited Racine to tout $3.3 billion project, slam Foxconn failure.
May 8th, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
