As Wisconsin prepares for its upcoming race to elect the next State Superintendent, three candidates are competing for the position that will shape the future of the state’s public schools.
Dr. Jill Underly, the current State Superintendent, is being challenged by Sauk Prairie Superintendent Jeff Wright and education consultant Brittany Kinser.
With the primary election scheduled for February 18, 2025, these candidates are offering different approaches to improve education in Wisconsin. Recently, they shared their goals and priorities for the state’s public schools.
Brittany Kinser’s Education Vision
Brittany Kinser, a former special education teacher, science teacher, and award-winning principal, entered the race after discovering that Wisconsin had lowered its academic standards.
She aims to restore high standards and believes in providing parents with school choice options, which she sees as essential for ensuring families have the best educational opportunities for their children.
Focus on Funding Public Schools
The current State Superintendent, Dr. Jill Underly, has proposed an additional $3 billion in funding for Wisconsin’s public schools.
When asked about this budget recommendation, Kinser emphasized the need for a realistic approach to school funding, especially considering the state’s budget surplus.
While she recognizes the importance of education, Kinser believes that not all of the surplus should be allocated to education.
She advocates for ensuring that money reaches classrooms, rewards great teachers, and provides additional support for special education and rural school transportation.
Expanding School Choice
One of the most significant differences between Kinser and her opponents is her strong support for school choice. Kinser is the only candidate advocating for expanding the state’s school choice program.
She believes that parents should have the freedom to choose the best educational setting for their children, especially when local districts and parents express a need for more options.
Kinser argues that the focus should be on meeting the needs of students and families, ensuring children are prepared for college and careers, and improving educational outcomes.
Teacher Recruitment and Retention
Wisconsin is currently facing a crisis in teacher recruitment and retention, and Kinser recognizes the urgency of addressing this issue. She suggests that Wisconsin can learn from other states that have successfully tackled this problem while also supporting innovative ideas from local districts. Kinser believes that the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) should take a supportive role in helping local schools implement effective solutions to recruit and retain quality educators.
Restoring High Standards in Education
In 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) made changes to the “cut scores” on the state’s “Forward” exam and modified the language used to categorize student performance. Kinser strongly believes that high standards are essential for student success.
She advocates for aligning Wisconsin’s standards with national expectations, ensuring that more students are prepared for college and future careers.
Kinser stresses that setting high expectations will push students to meet and exceed their goals, and teachers need the necessary resources to help students achieve these standards.
Ensuring School Safety
After the tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, school safety has become a significant concern for many parents.
Kinser supports the presence of School Resource Officers (SROs) in schools, especially in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), and believes that ensuring safety should be a priority for school districts and communities.
She advocates for collaboration between schools, parents, and local communities to ensure that school safety measures are in place, but she also emphasizes that the DPI’s role should remain focused on supporting local efforts.
Navigating Partisan Politics
Education has increasingly become a partisan issue, but Kinser is committed to ensuring that the State Superintendent’s office remains focused on serving all students, regardless of political affiliation.
She recalls her early experiences as a teacher, where political party affiliation did not matter when it came to educating children. Kinser believes that the priority should always be on providing the best education for every student, regardless of their background or political beliefs.
As the election for State Superintendent approaches, each candidate is presenting a vision for Wisconsin’s public schools.
Brittany Kinser, with her emphasis on school choice, high academic standards, and realistic funding strategies, is offering a bold approach to education reform.
Whether her proposals will resonate with voters and lead her to victory in the February primary remains to be seen, but her commitment to improving education in Wisconsin is clear.
