MPS Run Back to School returns for 18th year despite flood challenges

MPS Run Back to School returns for 18th year

As Milwaukee Public Schools deals with flood damage, the "Run Back to School" returned for its 18th year on Saturday, Aug. 23.

MILWAUKEE - Back-to-school season comes with unique challenges this year as more than 20 MPS schools deal with damage from historic floods. Still, hundreds laced up their sneakers for the district's annual "Run Back to School."

MPS Run Back to School

What they're saying:

Run Back to School, now in its 18th year, is more than just a race 5K run and 1.5-mile walk.

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"I always enjoy seeing all the people out here," said Thomas Schmidt, an MPS parent.

"It’s a pretty good course," said cross-country runner Nathan Bertman, who is the run's two-time reigning champ. "I just felt I needed to win and show everybody who I am."

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS)

All the funds raised during Run Back to School go toward uniforms, registration and equipment to help MPS reach its goal of making sure all students can participate in sports.

"We had over 1,000 people running and walking all for a good cause today to raise money for youth athletics and extracurricular activities," said Brian Litzsey, Milwaukee Recreation director.

"These events are so important for community, ensuring that our families are connected, that they feel welcomed," said Brenda Cassellius, MPS superintendent.

Flood damages schools

Dig deeper:

Cassellius said crews are working around the clock at 22 MPS schools that sustained flood damage. She said asbestos abatement professionals are handling the job.

"We had some issues with some of the tiles buckling, that were asbestos tiles, and it's just like another layer of work that we have to do," she said. "We are going to clear those, get them tested by the health department and make sure it's safe for our students and teachers to be safe in their classrooms."

While water may have damaged buildings, it hasn't washed away school spirit.

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"My school didn’t have much of an issue, so I guess I’m not worried about going back, but I definitely could see how that could be stressful for someone going to a school where parts of their school are unusable at the moment," said Charlotte Schmidt, an MPS student.

The first day of school for MPS students is Sept. 2.