MPS lead risk: Schools built before 1950 cleared, work to continue

MPS lead risk: Pre-1950 elementary buildings clear

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) announced on Friday, Sept. 5 that all 50 MPS schools built before 1950 that serve elementary students are cleared of lead risks. The final two schools received clearances Thursday night.

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Public Schools on Friday announced all schools serving elementary students, built before 1950, have been cleared of lead risks. The final two of 50 such schools received clearance on Thursday night.  

"We are committed to providing safe and welcoming schools to the community. Successfully addressing lead paint issues is a critical step in this work," MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said in a statement.

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Schools built from 1950-1978

What's next:

MPS said, this fall, the district will shift its focus to 52 schools built between 1950 and 1978 that serve elementary students. Surveys of the buildings have indicated lower lead hazards, the district said. 

Due to the decreased use of lead-based paint during this period, the schools in this group have lower lead risks. Lead paint was banned after 1978.

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS)

Work will happen outside of school hours to minimize disruptions to students and staff. The district's goal is to complete the work by December.

In spring, the district will complete final cosmetic painting in some of the first 50 schools where, to prioritize opening the schools safely by September, painting was focused on specific areas that needed to be stabilized. 

Lead report online

What you can do:

MPS leaders said parents should not have to worry about their students moving schools this time around.

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"We're not going to move students away from the school to another school. We don't think we need to do that," Mike Turza, MPS interim chief operating officer, said of the next phase.

Turza also said parents will be notified when their school is undergoing lead remediation. MPS will continue to update its lead report page online.