MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – Multiple sources called the race in favor of Pecatonica Superintendent Jill Underly around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night.
Underly defeated Brown Deer Superintendent Deb Kerr in the race to become Wisconsin’s next superintendent of schools, based on unofficial results. She led 57% to 43% with 97% of precincts reporting.
While the race is technically nonpartisan, Underly was mainly backed by Democrats and the state teachers’ union. Kerr saw support from Republicans, including former Gov. Scott Walker. Kerr ran as a strong supporter of the voucher program, a favorite of conservatives, while Underly is an opponent.
In her victory statement, Underly said:
“Wisconsin’s kids and public schools face significant challenges as we work to return to normal, get every student caught up, and support their mental health and wellbeing in the aftermath of this pandemic and the enormous trauma and disruption it’s caused for all of us,” Underly said. “Overcoming these hurdles won’t be easy, but I know that if we work together, we can get it done and do what’s right for our kids…We have a long road ahead of us, but I’m ready to get to work on day one and build a stronger, more equitable public education system that provides every child, every day with the world-class public education system they deserve.”
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin congratulated Underly in a press release.
“Students, teachers, and families across Wisconsin are the real winners tonight. Dr. Underly has the deep expertise, unwavering dedication to public schools, and clear vision for a more equitable future that Wisconsin needs right now,”said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler. “We’re extremely proud of the work Dr. Underly and thousands of volunteers across the state put into this campaign, and we’re looking forward to working together to safely reopen Wisconsin’s schools and build them back better for students from every background and every region of the state. We’re also gratified that voters have once again rejected cynical attempts to win elections by appealing to hatred and division.”
