Milwaukee Public Schools lead exposure; 2 more schools to close in May
Milwaukee lead concerns: 2 more schools to temporarily close
Milwaukee Public Schools on Monday, April 28 released its lead action plan as it deals with an ongoing lead crisis.
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Public Schools on Monday, April 28 released its lead action plan as it deals with an ongoing lead crisis. The district announced it will close two more MPS schools in May.
Brown Street Academy, Westside Academy
Students at Brown Street Academy and West Side Academy will soon relocate to Douglas Middle School as crews clean their schools.
Timeline:
Cleaning will begin at West Side Academy on May 5. On May 12, work will begin at Brown Street School.
The next large clinic at North Division High School will take place on May 7.
What they're saying:
"Starting in May, rather than waiting until the end of the school year, gives our team the ability to complete this work well in advance of the next school year and also allows us to work on other buildings over the summer," said Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. "While there is no immediate danger in these buildings and no students in them have yet been identified as having elevated lead levels, there is significant work that needs to be done."
"I really didn't think that they were going to close down this one. Such a great school," said Lynnette Mahnke, a parent. "My son is autistic, different routine, different schedules. it's going to throw him off."
The backstory:
Three MPS schools closed in March due to concerns over lead, including Starms Early Childhood Education Center, Fernwood Montessori School and LaFollette School.
Fernwood Montessori School reopened to students and staff on Friday, April 25 after the school passed its Milwaukee Health Department lead hazard clearance check.
MPS lead exposure; next phase of cleanup, action plan announced
MPS and the City Health Commissioner on Monday will announce the next phase of lead cleanup and the lead action plan.
Students and staff temporarily moved from Fernwood to Douglas when MPS closed the school in March for stabilization and cleanup of lead hazards. MPS said the closure allowed for intensive work to proceed in the school.
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No children at the school have been identified as having elevated lead levels in their blood in connection with lead dust at Fernwood Montessori School.
MPS lead exposure; board weighs lawsuit against lead paint manufacturers
Milwaukee Public Schools could explore legal options available to the district to "hold lead paint companies accountable" for lead-paint remediation costs in school buildings.
Two other MPS schools – Starms Early Childhood Center and LaFollette School – remain closed due to lead.
The Source: The information in this post was provided by Milwaukee Public Schools.