State Superintendent Jill Underly's Accomplishments

Dr. Jill Underly has been a champion for public education in Wisconsin, leveraging her role as State Superintendent to advocate for the needs of students, teachers, and communities. Her leadership has centered on ensuring that every child in Wisconsin has access to high-quality public education.

Improving Wisconsin’s Public Education System
Elevated Wisconsin’s national standing in education, with the state’s K-12 schools ranked 6th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in 2024 (up from 14th in 2020). 

Highest Graduation Rate in State History
Under Underly’s leadership Wisconsin achieved the highest graduation rates in state history, reaching 90.5% and Wisconsin is now in the Top 3 nationally. 

Increased Support for Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Jill Underly knows that careers in the skilled trades are good-paying jobs that are badly needed. That’s why Underly raised the standards in career and technical education and invested in creating more opportunities for kids in middle and high school to receive hands-on experience to better prepare for the workforce and today’s economy.

Bipartisan Literacy Bill Passage
As State Superintendent, Jill Underly worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass a new bipartisan literacy law that will help improve young kids’ reading abilities. The new law hires more reading coaches and shifts students to phonics-based reading instruction for 4-year-old kindergarten through third grade.

Historic Investment in Youth Mental Health
Secured federal grants to provide millions in funding for mental health services in schools, including peer-to-peer suicide prevention programs and expanded substance abuse prevention initiatives.

Support for Educators and Teacher Recruitment
Secured $10.5 million in federal grants for special education teacher recruitment, launched Wisconsin’s first teacher apprenticeship programs, and proposed $59.5 million to support teacher development. Additionally, she invested in teacher training and implemented strategies to retain experienced educators in classrooms.

Defending Educator Labor Rights
A former educator and union member, Jill has advocated for fair pay, benefits, and working conditions, emphasizing the importance of professional respect and dignity for teachers.