MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) — Wisconsin's top school administrator delivered her State of Education address at the Capitol, calling for changes to the way public schools are funded.

State Superintendent Jill Underly acknowledged the important role public education plays in democracy and said without properly funding public education, democracy itself could be at risk.

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A day meant to celebrate the contributions of public education to society turned into a stark warning from the state school superintendent.

“If we didn’t have public school, we really wouldn’t be celebrating 250 years of democracy,” State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said.

Underly said the Legislature must give public schools predictable and consistent funding.

“This was not an accident, and it was not inevitable. The financial pressures the schools face today are the direct result of years of political choices,” Underly said.

Underly pointed to a 1993 law called Act 16 that created school revenue limits. The limits determine how much money a school district can receive through state aid and local property taxes for its budget.

Underly said the limits have prevented schools from keeping up with inflation.

“We know it’s not working because we have all seen our property tax bills.”

While public education was the highlight of the address, a recent Wisconsin Policy Forum report found public school enrollment fell more than 9% over the past 16 years, while staffing rose by 7%.

Underly said the decline in enrollment could lead to school closures, but she said those decisions must be carefully planned.

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“We need to be proactive about it and thoughtful about it rather than waiting when we are at an emergency point, so I think it deserves some study and conversation to figure out what’s best for kids and our communities,” Underly said.

One of Underly's main goals for the next legislative session would be to fix the funding formula for schools, something that could depend on which party is in control of the Legislature.