MADISON — After declining to endorse a candidate in 2021, the state’s school administrators’ group has chosen to back Jeff Wright to replace incumbent Jill Underly as superintendent of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
The endorsement of Wright Thursday by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) cited the current Sauk Prairie schools superintendent’s qualities of collaboration and competency:
“As a collaborative leader, (Wright) has a proven track record of uniting diverse voices to solve problems and delivering fiscally responsible solutions,” AWSA said in its statement (full text below).
These qualities are in stark contrast to the divisive tenure of Underly, recently criticized by Gov. Tony Evers, who has failed to score any endorsements from the state’s major education groups.
Responding to the AWSA endorsement, Jeff Wright said:
“I’m grateful for the administrators of K-12 schools who recognize the need to restore competent leadership at the Department of Public Instruction and a real sense of collaboration with all who partner in keeping Wisconsin public schools great.”
AWSA Endorsement: School Leaders Support Jeff Wright for State Superintendent of Public Instruction
MADISON — The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) supports Jeff Wright as the next Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Wright is currently superintendent of the Sauk Prairie School District, where he has made a notable impact in deepening the connections among students, educators, families, and the broader community.
The district has been recognized for reimagining mental health services, growing future educators, and developing a new childcare model.
He also was recently named 2024 Administrator of the Year by the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance.
“Jeff Wright is a proven leader who would collaborate with educators in the field to improve student outcomes,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch.
“We have had the opportunity to work with Jeff over the years and have seen his humble, diligent, and student-centered approach produce innovative and impactful solutions for his community,” added AWSA Associate Executive Director Joe Schroeder.
Growing up in Stevens Point and raised by parents who were both teachers, education has always been a focal point of Wright’s life. He received a degree from Harvard University and started his career in education as a social studies teacher, earning recognition as a Disney American Teacher Award honoree. He later successfully led a school on the south side of Chicago as principal.
“Jeff Wright’s experience as a Chicago principal and rural school administrator uniquely positions him to address Wisconsin’s diverse educational needs,” said AWSA Director of Urban Leadership Yaribel Rodriguez. “Jeff focuses on what can be done, advocating for the needs of districts, students, and communities while finding practical, forward-thinking ways to overcome challenges and improve outcomes. As a collaborative leader, he has a proven track record of uniting diverse voices to solve problems and delivering fiscally responsible solutions.”
The primary election date is Tuesday, Feb. 18. That will be followed by the spring general election of Tuesday, April 1, 2025. More information on Jeff Wright is available at www.jeffwrightforwisconsin.com.