Milwaukee Public Schools Enters New Phase of Lead Cleanup

(MILWAUKEE) — Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Brenda Cassellius today released the district’s Lead Action Plan that will guide the strategy to remove lead hazards from MPS school buildings where elementary students are in attendance. As part of the plan that will drive the work in each school, the district announced that two school populations will be relocated in early May, lasting until the end of the school year.

“This is a turning point for our district in how MPS is addressing the issue of lead removal in our schools,” said Dr. Cassellius. “In collaboration with the City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) we have created a plan that puts students, families and staff first. The plan gives us a clear and predictable path forward on how schools will be made safe from lead dangers and will give everyone the predictability and assurances they deserve.”

The Lead Action Plan identifies a priority list of schools that will require lead stabilization. Five school buildings have already been cleared of lead dangers. Two school communities, Westside Academy and Brown Street Academy, were informed Monday that beginning in early May, they will relocate to Douglas Middle School for the remainder of the 2024–25 school year. The relocation of the two schools is not prompted by any emergency declaration, but instead reflects a need to work efficiently with the crews available to conduct the work.

“MHD remains committed to protecting the health of students and staff across MPS schools,” said Milwaukee Commissioner of Health Michael Totoraitis, PhD. “I am glad our team was able to help guide the district in developing this plan. It represents an important step toward sustained progress. MHD will continue providing public health oversight as MPS moves forward with the work ahead.”

The Lead Action Plan provides a list of key priorities moving forward, including:

• An immediate visual inspection and environmental sampling in every school building built before 1978 that serves elementary students
• Enhanced environmental controls in high-risk areas
• Temporary school or room relocations when necessary
• Clearer, more frequent communication with families and staff
• Expanded access to blood lead testing and support services

MPS expects to complete lead clean-up in the 54 buildings built before 1950 before the start of the next school year, with much of that work happening over the summer. An additional 52 buildings built between 1950 and 1978 are expected to be complete by the end of the calendar year.

MHD recommends an annual lead test for children ages 3 to 5 years. If your child is 3 to 5 years old and has not been tested this year, you can contact your healthcare provider to schedule a test or visit a lead screening clinic. MPS and MHD will hold a testing clinic at North Division High School on May 7. More information about lead screening clinics can be found here.

Families can take steps to reduce lead exposure at home:

• Use wet wipes to clean surfaces such as floors, windows, and furniture to remove lead dust.
• Remove shoes at the door to prevent tracking in dirt with lead dust.
• Wash toys frequently, especially for very young children.
• Provide foods rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C.
• Run tap water until cold for three minutes before using it for drinking or cooking.
• Use a water filter certified to remove lead (NSF/ANSI 53).
• Wash hands before eating, especially toddlers and children who are crawling.

To stay informed:

• Review the MPS Lead Report and access FAQs, general updates, and more.
• Visit the MHD Home Environmental Health webpage for up-to-date reports, safety guidance, and resources.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.