The Department of Public Instruction is the state agency that advances public education and libraries in Wisconsin.
It is headed by the state superintendent of public instruction, a nonpartisan, constitutional officer elected every four years. State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly, the current officeholder, is 28th person to hold the post.
The agency was created in 1848, the year Wisconsin attained statehood when the state constitution provided for the establishment of local school districts and a free education for all children in the state.
For more information:
- visit the state superintendent’s page,
- consult the list of DPI divisions and teams,
- search our DPI staff directory by name or topic;
- view recent news from the DPI, or
- read about the Department of Public Instruction in the Executive Branch chapter of the Wisconsin Blue Book.
Locations and Contact Information
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction – Headquarters
Please schedule an appointment to meet with DPI staff, prior to coming to the GEF3 building. Any unscheduled walk-ins to the GEF3 building will be greeted at the Plaza level and asked to schedule a future appointment. All DPI visitors must enter through the Webster Street doors, and check in at the security desk on the plaza level. Visitors will be escorted to their meeting location after checking in.
Street Address / Shipping Address:
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 7841
Madison, WI 53707-7841
Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
1700 West State Street
Janesville, WI 53546
Phone: 800-832-9784 (WI Only)
Wisconsin School for the Deaf
309 West Walworth Avenue
Delavan, WI 53115
Phone: 262-728-7120
Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Program Offices
Ashland
801 Lake Shore Drive W.
Ashland, WI 54806
Phone: 715-682-7975
Eau Claire
402 Graham Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Phone: 715-836-3171
Green Bay
2140 Holmgren Way
Green Bay, WI 54304
Phone: 920-492-5745
Milwaukee
1555 N Rivercenter Drive, Suite 210
Milwaukee, WI 53212-3958
Phone: 414-227-4466
Wausau
2600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 274
Wausau, WI 54401
Phone: 715-842-0871