MADISON, Wis. (AP / TMJ4) – Jill Underly has the support of the state teachers’ union and an overwhelming financial advantage of winning the election as superintendent of schools in Wisconsin, unofficial election results show.
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Deb Kerr, who is backed by the Republican, defeated in the election Tuesday.
Underly is superintendent of the rural Pecatonica school district and previously worked for the Wisconsin Department of Public Education, which she will now lead.
Kerr is the former superintendent of the Brown Deer School District in suburban Milwaukee.
The race was officially impartial, but the Democrats and their money stood firmly behind Underly while Kerr found Republican support. Underly takes over the position from Carolyn Stanford Taylor, who has held the position since 2019.
Outer spending on superintendent races is $ 1 million
In addition to spending in Wisconsin’s state caretaker race, they raised $ 1 million, the most ever spent by special interests to influence the officially non-partisan race.
The Democracy Campaign in Wisconsin monitors spending on the race and said Monday $ 797,600 was spent by groups supporting Underly or opposing Kerr.
One group spent $ 209,000 to help Kerr.
Reaction to the election results
Ben Wikler, chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, made the following statement:
‘Students, teachers and families across Wisconsin are the real winners tonight. Dr. Underly possesses the deep expertise, unwavering commitment to public schools and a clear vision for a more equitable future that Wisconsin currently needs. ‘
Wisconsin AFL CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale said in a statement:
“Today, voters in Wisconsin have continued to call for a better future for all by voting to elect the union-backed candidate, Dr. Jill Underly, to lead our public schools out of the pandemic with a focus on equality and ‘ a strong, fully funded public education system. that supports every child every day. ‘
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