Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly used her sixth State of Education address Thursday to call for a major overhaul of the state’s school funding formula, arguing that schools and communities can no longer wait for a more reliable way to pay for education. Her appeal comes less than six weeks before the Nov. 3 election, which will determine the state’s next governor and could reshape control of the Legislature. Those elected will help decide the next state budget, including how much state aid public schools receive and whether Wisconsin changes how that money is distributed. “The formula used for funding our schools, for years, has failed our children, schools and entire communities,” Underly said. The current system, she argued, gives too much weight to factors such as enrollment, district spending and property values, rather than the cost of meeting students’ needs. “A student’s opportunity for success should not depend on their zip code,” she said. The funding debate is playing out in local communities. More than 75 school referendum proposals, with a combined price tag of $1.5 billion, are scheduled for November ballots. Districts have increasingly turned to property-tax increases to cover costs as state aid has failed to keep pace with their needs. When referendums fail, districts may cut staff and programs, close schools or consolidate with neighboring systems. Underly pointed to the Hustisford School District, which began dissolution proceedings after voters rejected a referendum in April. Its classrooms sat empty on the first day of school this year, she said. Students started the year in a neighboring district, including seniors who had expected to finish their education as Hustisford Falcons. The Department of Public Instruction has submitted the first part of its budget request, covering areas including libraries, support for children who are deaf or blind, cybersecurity and technology modernization. The department said it plans to release a second portion in November covering categorical aid and other school supports. Underly said her priorities include additional help for students in poverty and those with special needs, as well as career and technical education, mental health services and speech-language support. Election results could shape how quickly the state acts. Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein, a Democrat who could become majority leader if her party gains control, has said increasing school aid is a priority. She has described a full formula review as a multiyear effort, including examining approaches in neighboring states. Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley has supported increasing school funding and proposed raising the state’s reimbursement for special education costs to 90%, from the current 38%. He has also floated another Blue Ribbon Commission to study tax issues, including school and local-government funding. The previous school-funding commission took two years to complete its work. Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany has called for some school-funding increases while also pledging to freeze property taxes. He has not specified the scale of proposed increases or how they would be balanced with a tax freeze. Tiffany has emphasized accountability and high standards in education, and recently criticized the state superintendent’s independent constitutional office, saying the state budget could be used to steer the office’s decisions. Underly defended the office’s independence, saying it is not subject to a governor’s direction and that this strengthens public education. She also urged voters to consider candidates’ records on school issues, not only their campaign statements. Whether the state makes immediate funding changes or begins a longer review, the stakes are visible in districts turning to local taxpayers for support and in communities facing cuts or closures. Underly said decisions about consolidation in response to declining enrollment deserve study, but should be guided by what is best for students.