Wisconsin Schools Investigate Over 200 Cases of Teacher Misconduct

Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has investigated more than 200 educators for allegations of sexual misconduct or grooming behaviors toward students from 2018 to 2023, according to a report by the Cap Times. The findings raise concerns about the safety of students in public schools under the leadership of Superintendent Jill Underly, who has been criticized for her ties to the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC).

The Cap Times investigation revealed that 44 percent of the DPI's license probes during this period involved sexual misconduct allegations. Of the 461 teachers investigated for various forms of misconduct, 207 retained their licenses and continued working with students.

"When you look at how to evaluate DPI, the question is not what is best for kids and families, it’s maintaining the status quo for union power," said Will Flanders, Research Director for the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty.

The report detailed serious allegations against educators, including sexual assault, soliciting nude photos from students, and initiating sexual relationships shortly after students graduated. Additionally, behaviors classified as grooming included inappropriate physical contact and spending time alone with students outside of school hours.

Legislators have expressed outrage over the findings. Rep. Amanda Nedweski, chairwoman of the State Assembly Committee on Government Operations, Accountability, and Transparency, criticized Underly for her absence at a recent legislative hearing on the issue. "Parents deserve safety, not silence," she stated.

The investigation has prompted calls for legislative reform. Currently, Wisconsin law does not explicitly define grooming in the context of educator misconduct, which some experts argue complicates accountability measures.

Mike Mikalsen, an aide to Republican state Sen. Steve Nass, noted that the licensure process has historically protected educators, making it difficult for the DPI to revoke licenses. He emphasized the need for significant reform, stating, "The system was set up to be a failure. It has to be dramatically reformed."

The DPI's handling of misconduct cases has drawn scrutiny, especially as academic performance continues to decline in Wisconsin schools. In 2024, only 12 percent of fourth-graders in Milwaukee Public Schools met proficiency standards in the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

As the investigation unfolds, the DPI faces increasing pressure to address these allegations and improve the safety and accountability measures within Wisconsin's public school system.