Pictured: State Superintendent Jill Underly touring the Career and Technical Education facilities at DeForest Area High School.
State Superintendent Jill Underly of the Department of Public Instruction wants to see an additional $60 million to expand career and technical education (CTE) programs statewide, such as for agriculture education.
“Wisconsin students need more meaningful opportunities to explore possible career aspirations – my budget proposal makes a strategic investment in both our students and our communities,” Underly says. “Innovative programs… exist at schools around the state, but not all students have access to those opportunities.”
Underly says she sees the value in CTE programs and Career and Technical Student Organizations, such as FFA, as both of her children are members. The family also operates a small hobby farm in Southwest Wisconsin.
Wisconsin is one of just six states that do not have ongoing funding dedicated to CTE programs in public schools. The proposal is part of Underly’s 2025-27 Biennial Budget request.
“My budget supports schools in creating, implementing, and growing CTE and career pathways available to students,” Dr. Underly said. “These offerings help prepare students for the workforce and a future career.”
Specifically, Underly’s budget request:
- Creates a categorical aid program expanding CTE and career pathway offerings to students across the state. Grant funding would be allocated to districts based on the number of high school students ($45 million over the biennium).
- Provides funding to each of the state’s six Career and Technical Student Organizations, including FFA, which help students in developing citizenship, technical, leadership, and teamwork skills essential in preparing for careers and further education ($9 million over the biennium).
- Increases high-quality, robust academic and career planning by providing crucial software and technical support to educators so they can implement one-on-one student-centered advising ($400,000 over the biennium).
“The way that we, as a state, fund public education has left schools and districts in perilous financial positions for years,” she says. “The time is past due to invest in our schools, especially in this moment. The need is there, and we can hold down property taxes, support our kids, and provide sustainable funding to Wisconsin public schools.”
FFA students were at the Capitol earlier this year advocating for CTE and CTSO funding. See coverage of that event:
