State superintendent statement on new Wisconsin Policy Forum report on educational outcomes in Milwaukee

MADISON — State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly released the following statement regarding the new report about the Milwaukee educational landscape published today by the Wisconsin Policy Forum. The top takeaway in the report is that educational outcomes for Milwaukee students have not improved as promised despite years of investment in options such as independent charters and vouchers to attend private schools in Milwaukee.

 

“We cannot accept the status quo, be satisfied or try to justify our state’s existing opportunity gaps. Every kid, no matter their background, deserves the absolute best from us. This troubling report makes it clear all publicly-funded school models in Milwaukee — traditional, private, and charter — need to improve to better serve the community. Kids in Milwaukee across all sectors have very real, distinct needs that are not being met, no matter the type of school.

 

“We must work together to find realistic, innovative solutions and ensure kids in Milwaukee and across our state — our future leaders — are set up for success. School governance models matter minimally: the support of parents, bolstering resources available to children such as mental healthcare and tutoring, great professionals within school walls, and true accountability for all schools, are together what make the difference for kids.

 

“We can and must invest in the future of our kids, create environments where they can thrive, provide robust support to our educators and schools, and make real progress in closing longstanding gaps. We can ensure every kid has the resources and opportunities necessary to succeed and create an educational system that not only meets but exceeds the needs of all Wisconsin kids.”