State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly comments on referendums
Following Tuesday's general election, State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly released a statement addressing the 79 school referendum questions on ballots across Wisconsin. While expressing optimism about voter support for public education, Dr. Underly underscored the urgent need for comprehensive school funding reform.
Dr. Underly commended voters for demonstrating that they believe investing in children's futures is vital to moving the state forward. However, she cautioned that the high number of referendums highlights a persistent systemic issue. Communities statewide are repeatedly forced to choose whether to increase local property taxes simply to cover basic operational expenses, compensate teachers, and maintain educational quality.
Critiquing the current system, Dr. Underly stated that Wisconsin's school funding formula is broken and has failed students, schools, and communities for decades. She emphasized that public schools should not have to depend on ongoing local referendums to deliver the quality education every student deserves. Looking ahead, she expressed hope for achieving meaningful structural changes and voiced a commitment to collaborating with elected leaders across the state to build a better funding system.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.