WI DPI News

Wisconsin Reports Record 92% High School Graduation Rate for 2024-25

Wisconsin DPI announced that the state's on-time high school graduation rate reached 92% for the 2024-25 school year, the highest rate since the four-year adjusted cohort methodology was introduced in 2009-10. Student attendance also improved to 92.6% overall, while chronic absenteeism declined to 17.3%. The certified data is available on DPI's WISEdash Public Portal.

Wisconsin Educator Retention Crisis: Only 52.6% Remain by Year 8

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released its Educator Preparation Program and Workforce Analysis Report using 2023-24 data, revealing that only 52.6% of new teachers remain in Wisconsin public school classrooms by their eighth year. Of 5,256 individuals completing educator preparation programs, only 3,568 entered Wisconsin schools, representing a 30% loss of potential educators. Special education teacher retention is even lower at 43.2% by year eight.

72 Wisconsin School Districts Hold Referendums

State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly released a statement noting that 72 Wisconsin school districts held referendums in Tuesday's spring general election. The statement calls for renewed state commitment to public education funding, citing years of chronic underfunding combined with rising costs that have forced districts to repeatedly turn to voters for basic operational needs.

Maple Grove, Middleton Schools Earn 2026 Sustainability Award

Wisconsin DPI announced the 2026 Stewardship and Sustainability Award recipients: Maple Grove Charter School and Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District. The award recognizes exceptional leadership in creating green and healthy learning environments. The program was established to fill a gap left when the U.S. Department of Education eliminated its Green Ribbon Schools Program in 2025.

State Superintendent Celebrates Two FCCLA National Finalists

State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly made a surprise visit to Dodgeville High School to celebrate student Addy Hoyer and Adviser Sarah James, who are among 10 national finalists selected by Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Hoyer was selected as one of five 2026 Member of the Year Award National Finalists from over 260,000 members nationwide. James was selected as one of five finalists out of more than 7,300 chapter advisers nationwide for 2026 Adviser of the Year. Both received $1,000 prizes and will be honored at the National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.