State superintendent responds to U.S. Department of Education secretary’s call for federal education overhaul

MADISON — State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly released the following statement today regarding U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s public letter, calling for significantly changing the service goals of the federal agency and potentially impacting nearly $1 billion in annual funding to Wisconsin students, families and communities.

 

“This isn’t a game for our kids and their families. Funding, programming and guidance from the federal government supports all Wisconsin students. This collective focus ensures the high-quality education of all learners.

 

“We have both a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. Any efforts to undermine the hard work and commitment of our educators are nothing more than attempts to sow fear and impose political ideologies on the education of our children.

 

“Disrupting our education system with a vague and underdeveloped plan could have devastating consequences for Wisconsin’s children, teachers, schools, and communities for generations to come. Access to a quality education is a fundamental right guaranteed by our Wisconsin State Constitution. Instead of dismantling the progress we’ve made, we should focus on meaningful reform – investing in our educators, reducing class sizes, and focusing on reforms that improve student outcomes.

 

“Education is and should continue to be a tool for unity, opportunity, and progress, not division or deregulation.

 

“In Wisconsin, we will continue to stand firm and will not back down from our responsibility to educate and uplift all students. We will protect their future every step of the way.”