News
October 07, 2024 | By Benjamin Yount
Policy Issues
Education

New State Superintendent Candidate Has Teachers’ Union Backing

Jeff Wright, superintendent of Sauk Prairie Schools, is running against current State Superintendent Jill Underly, and he's got WEAC's endorsement.

The newest candidate for state superintendent in Wisconsin says he has the backing of the state’s largest teachers’ union.

Jeff Wright, superintendent of Sauk Prairie Schools, on Friday announced that he is running against current State Superintendent Jill Underly.

"I am excited to officially begin this journey and am eager to serve all of Wisconsin's students, educators, and families." Wright said in a statement. “I’ve spent my career bringing people together to strengthen schools and communities, and I look forward to working with Wisconsinites from across the state to ensure a strong future for our schools."

Wright claims he has the backing of the Wisconsin Education Association Council Political Action Committee. WEAC is, of course, Wisconsin’s largest teachers' union.

“His announcement comes after receiving the recommendation of the Wisconsin Education Association Council Political Action Committee, who chose to throw their support behind new leadership at the DPI,” Wright added in his statement. “Wright sees this next month as a time to listen to students, educators, parents, and community leaders across Wisconsin and discuss the challenges facing the state’s education system.”

WEAC PAC asked for input on Wright for state superintendent, and liberal judge Susan Crawford for Supreme Court. The PAC did not ask for feedback about supporting Underly

Underly is wrapping-up her first term as state superintendent. She announced her re-election bid last month.

But she has proven unpopular during her first four years in office.

Republican lawmakers have criticized Underly for focusing too much on LGBTQ issues, and not focusing enough on reading and math.

She has presided over a public school system that has seen reading and math score slip, and she was silent about Milwaukee Public Schools’ financial crisis that could end-up cost MPS $50 million.

On Monday, a new report questioned the motives and impact of Underly’s push to change the scores for Wisconsin’s standardized tests.

“Public education works best when it rises above politics. We all know that,” Wright added. “Our schools thrive as our communities thrive. I look forward to continued conversations with the people who are most invested in our schools to discuss how those schools and their communities can be even better places to live and learn.”

There’s not yet a Republican candidate for state superintendent.

Voters will decide the race next spring.

Interested in the content of this Article?

Reach out to the MacIver Institute to aquire more information