Jill Underly was elected Wisconsin’s new State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Tuesday’s 2021 Spring Election. Underly, the soon-to-be-former superintendent for Pecatonica Area School District, defeated her opponent Deborah Kerr, a former superintendent for Brown Deer School District.
The race for the “nonpartisan” position was a contentious one, filled with controversy, personal attacks, and millions of dollars in spending. Underly was backed by liberal-leaning groups, while Kerr garnered support from conservative-learning groups and noted social media influencer Scott Walker. The state superintendent position was previously held by Gov. Tony Evers.
“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 after the Associated Press called the race in her favor Tuesday night. “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,” she added, “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.”
Here are the unofficial results for the state superintendent race, along with the contested judge, county supervisor, and school board races in the City of Milwaukee.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
JILL UNDERLY – 526,286 votes (57.7%)
Deborah Kerr – 386,392 votes (42.3%)
100% reporting
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Branch 3
KATIE KEGEL – 60,087 votes (65%)
Susan Roth – 32,299 votes (35%)
100% reporting
Milwaukee Board of School Directors District 4
AISHA CARR – 2,001 votes (57.5%)
Dana Kelley – 1,479 votes (42.5%)
100% reporting
Milwaukee Board of School Directors District 5
JILLY GOKALGANDHI – 5,229 votes (54.9%)
Alex Brower – 4,293 votes (45.1%)
100% reporting
County Supervisor District 10
PRISCILLA COGGS-JONES – 1,545 votes (50.2%)
Darrin Madison – 1,533 votes (49.8%)
100% reporting
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