MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Public School District (MPS) is continuing efforts to protect students and staff from lead hazards in its older buildings.

During a school board meeting Tuesday night, district leaders shared a detailed update through its new Lead Action Report. It outlines both the progress made and the work still to come. As of now, visual inspections have been completed at all school buildings constructed before 1950.

What You Need To Know

  • As of now, visual inspections have been completed at all school buildings constructed before 1950

  • An additional 14 schools have been prepped for lead cleanup, according to Facilities Director Mike Turza

  • The district’s goal is to have 45 schools cleared of lead hazards by the end of summer

The district reported that seven schools have already been cleared by the Milwaukee Health Department. They include:

  • Trowbridge
  • Maryland Avenue
  • Kagel
  • Golda Meir
  • Fernwood
  • Starms Early Childhood
  • LaFollette

An additional 14 schools have been prepped for lead cleanup, according to Facilities Director Mike Turza.

“This is where teams have gone in to begin with decluttering, removing materials away from walls, putting poly over them,” said Turza.

The 14 schools now undergoing remediation include: ALBA, Auer Avenue, Forest Home, French Immersion, Hartford, Hayes, Humboldt Park, Longfellow, MacDowell, Mitchell, Riley, Siefert, Townsend and Vieau.

The district’s goal is to have 45 schools cleared of lead hazards by the end of summer.

Cleanup will continue in phases.

  • Phases 2 and 3 which cover the remainder of pre-1950 schools, are set to begin in July and wrap up by August.
  • Phase 4 focuses on schools built after 1950, will follow.

MPS Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius said the district is working hard to ensure the process is handled efficiently and safely.

“We are doing everything we possibly can to throw everything at it,” said Dr. Cassellius. “We anticipate that there shouldn’t be any hiccups because we have a project manager and it’s a very reputable construction firm and we have good, licensed contractors. Our folks are ready and trained to go, it’s a big heavy lift.”

During Tuesday's meeting district leaders also mentioned The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has fined MPS 13 times for non-compliance with lead safety regulations. Leaders said all of them were instances of improper work development that were quickly corrected. On Wednesday, Spectrum News learned DHS is fining the district $5,500.

MPS released this statement:

"MPS continues to work with DHS and the City of Milwaukee Health Department in handling the ongoing work to remove lead dangers from our school buildings. Our plan includes additional funding and monitoring to reduce the risk within our facilities. MPS quickly addressed every item brought to our attention, the majority of which occurred months ago before leadership changes and when there were no students in these specific buildings. We will continue to train and work with all staff on proper lead stabilization work.  The summer plan of work MPS will be submitting to DHS identifies all steps and actions MPS will take to meet the DHS requirements. Our Facilities teams will work with contractors and staff to ensure our processes are in line with regulations and meeting the deadlines for the start of school in September."

School officials emphasize that student and staff safety remain the top priority, and they’re doing everything they can to complete the work before the start of the school year.

You can learn more information on the process, here.

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