MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly is calling for changes to the state’s public school funding system, arguing that districts increasingly rely on local voters to fill gaps in school budgets. Underly made the case during her sixth State of Education address at the state Capitol. She said 90% of Wisconsin school districts have held referendums over the past nine years, asking voters to approve additional funding. “The formula used for funding our schools for years has failed our children, schools and entire communities,” Underly said. She added that the system’s problems are complex, but said it is not working. School referendums can ask residents to approve additional spending, often funded through local property taxes. Underly said the widespread use of those votes points to a need for more state aid, rather than continued reliance on local taxpayers. The Department of Public Instruction earlier this month released part of its proposed 2027-29 budget request. It includes a request for $28 million in additional state aid, along with funding for two new positions to investigate educator licenses. Underly’s remarks put school funding before state lawmakers as the next budget cycle approaches. The information released so far does not specify how any proposed changes to the funding formula would be structured.