'Good to be back:' Some Milwaukee Public Schools staff members return to work amid pandemic

MILWAUKEE -- While schools remain closed, some Milwaukee public school staff members return to work on Tuesday, May 26.

Several employee groups -- including assistant principals, deans and year-round workers -- returned to their regular work locations on Tuesday. It's a re-entry that Ramon Evans, principal of Vincent High School of Agricultural Sciences, says staff was looking forward to.

"It feels good to be back," Evans said. "It's definitely been rough. We miss each other."

As the number of staff increases at different locations, Evans said he feels confident with the measures in place to keep everyone safe; all MPS locations have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, officials say -- they will continue to be cleaned on a regular basis.

"We know we are safe because we are staying at least six feet apart, we all have our faces masks and gloves," Evans said.

Being back in brick and mortar is making it easier for staff to do their jobs and also continue to help students with distance learning and more.

With many food pick locations averaging hundreds of meals a day, Foodservice staff also returned on a rotating basis.

"It makes me happy because there is more food in the house because of that," said student Austin Maisoned, who relies on the distribution. "It's been hard because, limited on money and prices on food is going up now. It's been hard."

Even though staff is back, the buildings remain closed to the public. Visitors are not allowed, and only staff assigned to a building may enter that building.

Staff are encouraged to practice social distancing and limit groups of more than 10.

MPS Superintendent Keith Posley said there will be no temperature checks for those who enter the buildings. The district just asks all staff to diligently self-monitor for any symptoms of fever and/or respiratory illness before coming to work.

MPS officials issued this statement Tuesday: