MPS Submits Draft Lead Action Plan to Milwaukee Health Department
Preliminary Plan Fulfills Department's March 21 Deadline and Sets the Next Steps for School District
(MILWAUKEE) — Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) today submitted a preliminary Lead Action Plan to the City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD), fulfilling the March 21 deadline set by the department in its February 5 directive. The plan outlines MPS’s proposed next steps to assess, address, and prevent lead hazards in district buildings.
The following is a brief summary of key points:
- The oldest schools with the youngest learners will be prioritized for inspection/remediation.
- The district has hired 10 new staff members so far for lead stabilization and continue to work with contracted employees.
- Visual inspections are being performed and are tentatively expected to be completed in May for the oldest schools in the first phase.
The district’s Lead-Based Paint Compliance Program document has been updated. In addition, work disturbing lead-based paint will only be conducted in isolated, contained, and unoccupied spaces, in accordance with state regulation DHS 163.
“As I come into this role as superintendent, there is nothing more important to me than ensuring our schools are welcoming, safe, healthy, and thriving communities. Anything less is not conducive to teaching and learning,” said Dr. Brenda Cassellius, Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools. “Meeting this deadline, set by MHD, is an indication that we are moving forward with intention and urgency and that we are eager to begin the work of stabilizing any remaining potential lead hazards at schools. As we do this work, we will be guided by our commitment to transparency and accountability.”
“We appreciate MPS meeting this deadline,” said Dr. Michael Totoraitis, Commissioner of Health for the City of Milwaukee. “Our team will begin a detailed review of the draft plan and will continue working closely with MPS leadership to ensure a strong and accountable path forward.”
Further updates, including media availability details, will be shared at milwaukee.gov/MPS-Lead and mpsmke.com/mpsleadreport.
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.
More about the Lead Crisis
- Gov. Evers, DHS Continue Administration’s Efforts to Combat Lead Poisoning Statewide with Permanent Rule - Gov. Tony Evers - May 27th, 2025
- RFK Jr. Claims ‘Team’ Is In Milwaukee Helping With Lead Crisis, Health Department Can’t Find Them - Nick Rommel - May 22nd, 2025
- MPS Announces Starms Early Childhood Center Is Cleared of Lead Dangers - Milwaukee Public Schools - May 21st, 2025
- Milwaukee Has Removed 10,000 Lead Laterals - Graham Kilmer - May 13th, 2025
- New MPS Superintendent Cutting Central Office Jobs - Corrinne Hess - May 8th, 2025
- MTEA Statement on Lead Exposure in MPS Buildings - Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association - Apr 30th, 2025
- Statement from Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez on Lead Hazards in MPS Buildings - Sup. Juan Miguel Martinez - Apr 29th, 2025
- MPS Closing Two More Schools For Lead Hazards - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 28th, 2025
- Milwaukee Public Schools Enters New Phase of Lead Cleanup - Milwaukee Public Schools - Apr 28th, 2025
- What To Know and How To Keep Kids Safe From Lead Poisoning - Evan Casey - Apr 25th, 2025
Read more about Lead Crisis here
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