(The Center Square) – An audit was ordered Wednesday in the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s process to suspend, revoke and investigate teacher licenses.
The vote came after DPI Superintendent Jill Underly and staff explained the process to Wisconsin’s Joint Audit Committee, repeating much of the language she used at a press conference and Senate Committee on Education meeting the day before.
Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Oconto, questioned if DPI determines it will ask for a voluntary surrender of teacher licenses rather than conducting an investigation in cases where law enforcement isn’t already involved in order to fully look into accusations.
“There is more than just writing this down on paper,” Rep. Robert Wittke, R-Caledonia, said before starting the hearing.
The audit scope includes identifying trends in allegations received and investigations, the timeframe from allegation to investigation, whether DPI follows its rules and policies, the evidence gathering and evaluation process and the patterns of DPI determinations.
The audit will also look at the amount of staffing and time put into the process along with the qualifications of investigators.
DPI advocated for more investigative power through state law as it looks into accusations.
“We have had hostile interaction with local school districts or law enforcement,” Deputy State Superintendent Tom McCarthy said about issues with relying solely on local investigations.
