As of April 1, 2025, Jill Underly stands at the center of Wisconsin’s education scene. Today, voters statewide went to the polls in a critical election for Superintendent of Public Instruction, deciding between incumbent Dr. Jill Underly and challenger Brittany Kinser. With over two decades in education, Underly has earned her stripes as a staunch defender of public schools. Since her 2021 election, she’s steered Wisconsin through turbulent times, and now she’s in a tight race that’s drawing attention across the state.
Underly’s career kicked off in 1999 as a social studies teacher in Indiana before she landed in Wisconsin. She climbed the ranks, working at the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), serving as a principal, and later as a district administrator. Her tenure as superintendent has been marked by big wins—like a bipartisan literacy law and a push for career and technical education. Recent reports show Wisconsin’s graduation rate hitting an all-time high under her watch. But Kinser, her Republican-backed opponent, claims Underly’s tweaks to testing standards are a step backward.
Jill Underly’s Bold Stance on Equity
Jill Underly doesn’t mince words when it comes to public education. She’s been outspoken about keeping public funds in public schools, railing against voucher programs that siphon money to private institutions. Just days ago, on March 28, 2025, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel quoted her calling for an end to Wisconsin’s decades-old school choice program—a stance that’s fired up both sides. Kinser argues this limits family options, but Underly insists public schools, which serve everyone, deserve the investment.
Her recent moves back this up. On March 28, Governor Tony Evers vetoed a bill that would’ve reversed her testing changes, preserving her vision for more inclusive benchmarks. During a March 14 visit to De Pere High, she pitched $60 million for career programs, showing her focus on real-world skills. These efforts highlight why her supporters see her as a game-changer.
Jill Underly Faces Off Against Kinser
The election boils down to two stark choices:
| Candidate | School Choice | Testing Approach | Key Backers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jill Underly | Against expansion | Inclusive adjustments | Democrats, unions |
| Brittany Kinser | Pro-voucher | Restore old benchmarks | Republicans, moderates |
Kinser, a former special ed teacher, has hit Underly hard, especially over claims of hypocrisy after X posts on March 30 pointed out Underly’s kid attends private school. Underly hasn’t responded directly, but her camp touts her record—like raising math and science standards.
What’s Next for Wisconsin?
Tonight, April 1, 2025, the votes are being counted, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With Trump’s second term looming, the winner will shape how Wisconsin navigates federal education shifts. Underly’s re-election would lock in her public-school-first agenda. A Kinser upset could tilt the scales toward private options. Either way, Wisconsin’s classrooms are in for a defining moment.