Jeff Wright

Education

In alliance with Gov. Evers $300 million proposal to support kids’ mental health, Jeff will work with counselors, school social workers, teachers and families to increase training and assure there are accessible mental health services for all. This means identifying needs community by community and making connections between service providers so support can be efficient, sustainable and led by experts. Learn more

To further support rural districts, Jeff believes legislative adjustments are necessary to address their unique financial challenges. Specifically, the formula for sparsity aid should be modified. Jeff supports expanding this aid to additional districts who serve students in sparsely populated regions of the state - a change that would increase funding to help with costs that exist no matter how many students are served. Learn more

Jeff also will use his platform to push back against the negative national narrative surrounding public schools. Jeff will work tirelessly to restore pride in Wisconsin’s public schools, advocating for educators and celebrating the true art of teaching by sharing stories and giving voice to educators across the state. By rising above divisive rhetoric, Jeff will help foster an environment where teachers know they are respected, valued and supported. Learn more

One way to alleviate some of the budget pressures faced by rural schools is through collaboration. In Sauk Prairie, for example, students from smaller neighboring districts participate in programs such as CNA courses and business classes – both in person and virtually. Many rural districts share administrative, business services, and special education staff through regional CESA partners. These partnerships help rural districts expand their program offerings without duplicating resources. Learn more

He believes in creating additional pathways to attract career changers into the education profession. Whether it’s providing the training needed for educational assistants to earn licensure, creating strong support systems and mentor relationships for new teachers, or welcoming professionals with decades of experience from other fields, Jeff understands that our schools benefit from the diverse, lived experiences of adults from all backgrounds. Learn more

Jeff believes tests only make sense when they contribute to the growth of students. This means, using ongoing testing systems that track year-over-year student growth. Tests must provide actionable data that helps schools improve and help students and their families track progress. Jeff’s approach is more equitable and useful. Learn more

An immediate change Jeff will fight for is increased taxpayer transparency regarding voucher programs. Currently, property tax bills do not differentiate between the funds used by public schools and those allocated to the voucher program. Learn more

Jeff also recognizes that a key part of retention is empowering teachers to be creative in their classrooms. Many educators have expressed frustration with the growing trend of scripted, rigid curricula that limits their ability to personalize instruction. Jeff believes that educators should be trusted to design classrooms that reflect the unique needs and personalities of their students. This approach fosters a more positive and creative work environment, which in turn helps retain teachers. Learn more

Jeff will rebuild DPI’s relationship not only with MPS but with all large districts from day one. He will reestablish regular communication to serve as a better resource for these key district leaders. This regular communication will make him a better advocate in the legislature for MPS, Madison, and other districts. Through these strengthened partnerships, the DPI will work to elevate standards of excellence across all Wisconsin public schools. Learn more