In addition to oversight of public primary and secondary education, the Department administers a number of other educational, vocational, and special needs programs.

The Department also distributes state and federal education aid to local districts and programs.

The Department is led by Superintendent Jill Underly, since being elected in 2021.

The office of superintendent is a constitutional officer of the government of Wisconsin, established in Article X of the Constitution of Wisconsin.

[2] The Department's main office is located in the Tommy G. Thompson Building (TGT) in downtown Madison, Wisconsin; it maintains several other offices throughout the state for specialized services.