Jill Underly to become next Wisconsin superintendent of schools Rory Linnane and Devi Shastri, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Jill Underly, the Democratic Party-backed superintendent of Pecatonica School District, defeated former Brown Deer Schools superintendent Deborah Kerr Tuesday to become the state’s top education official.
As of 9:30 p.m., Underly had 372,228 votes while Kerr had 281,469. About 66% of precincts were reporting results, with absentee ballots still left to be counted. Nevertheless, Underly declared victory and Kerr called her late in the evening to concede.
Underly will start the job in July, taking over for Carolyn Stanford Taylor, who was appointed to the state superintendent position by Tony Evers when he became governor. Evers held the post for nearly a decade.
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By Casey Nelson
Apr 6, 2021 9:40 PM
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 the 89th Assembly District, which includes the city of Marinette, Republican Elijah Behnke defeated Democrat Karl Jaeger. That race was called with just 50% of precincts reporting. That seat was open after Republican John Nygren resigned from the Legislature.
More local races included the county executive contests in Winnebago and Fond du Lac counties, city council contests in Oshkosh and Fond du Lac, and school board races – including the contest in Green Bay.
One incumbent will stay, another will leave the Green Bay School Board. Incumbent Andrew Becker received the second most votes behind newcomer Nancy Welch. Incumbent Rhonda Sitnikau received the fewest votes of the four candidates on the ballot.