Wisconsin State Superintendent responds to Department of Education changes

Wisconsin State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly released a statement Wednesday, March 12, in response U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s announcement that the department would be making a significant reduction in staff. McMahon’s announcement on Tuesday stated that the department would be reducing its workforce by nearly 50% and that those impacted would be placed on administrative leave beginning March 21.

Dr. Underly said these cuts would directly impact Wisconsin children, families, and communities.

“While efficiency is important, it must never come at the expense of the students and families who rely on these essential programs,” said Underly. “Federal resources allocated for education must stay focused on learning, not diverted elsewhere. Every dollar saved through these actions must be reinvested directly into our children and schools, which are already stretched thin. We cannot afford to make cuts that will undermine the very students and families who rely on these programs to thrive.”

Dr. Underly continued that she hopes to see transparency in the process.

“If this decision is truly in the best interest of Wisconsin’s schools and children, we expect to see tangible results and new resources. Wisconsin is watching closely.”

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has also launched a new interactive map to show how each school district across the state is impacted.