Underperforming Underly is Failing Wisconsin Kids
Lowering Academic Standards
Underperforming Underly has spent her career lowering academic standards, a move so unpopular, even Gov. Tony Evers called it a “mistake.”1
“I truly don’t understand what I am looking at for my approval.”
—Superintendent Jill Underly before approving the lowering of academic standards (June 13, 2023)
Failing Students
Under Underly’s lower standards, the majority of Wisconsin students are failing in math and reading. No wonder less than 1/3 of Wisconsin parents think their children will be prepared to succeed in the workforce.2
harming girls
Underly supports allowing boys in girls’ sports and is endorsed by a teacher’s union that pushes letting boys undress in girls’ locker rooms.3
“These report card rating increases will benefit low-poverty schools more than high-povertY schools.”
—Office of Educational Accountability to Superintendent Jill Underly regarding her changes to academic standards (April 3, 2024)
against classroom transparency
Underly fought against transparency in the classroom and giving parents a voice in their child’s education.4
lying about her record
When faced with her failures, Underly lied and said Wisconsin schools were doing fine. PolitiFact rated her statement as “mostly false.”5
1. A.J. Bayatopour, “State superintendent defends lowering test standards, changing terms away from ‘basic’ and ‘below basic,’” CBS58, 9/3/24
2. “The Real Test Scores: National Test Scores Show Only 31% of Wisconsin Students Proficient in Reading,” Press Release, 1/29/25; Corrinne Hess, “Wisconsin students still lagging months behind in math, reading following pandemic,” WPR, 2/17/25; Corrinne Hess, “New survey shows Wisconsin parents struggle to understand public school systems,” WPR, 1/8/25
3. Jill Underly, “How we can save lives,” dpi.wi.gov, 10/4/23; WEAC Proposed Resolutions 2024, weac.org, Accessed 2/6/25
4. AB 510; Ruth Connif, “Superintendent Jill Underly talks diversity, censorship and challenges facing Wisconsin schools,” Wisconsin Examiner, 1/11/24
5. Vanessa Swales, “Wisconsin Schools Chief Touts Silver Lining, but Scores did not Buck National Trend,” PolitiFact, 12/5/22