Thursday, July 31, 2025
Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said progress is being made on MPS’s plan to remediate lead hazards in dozens of the district’s older schools.
“All of our students, families and employees deserve a safe and healthy school environment,” Dr. Cassellius said. “Delivering on this promise is one of our most important responsibilities. Our staff and contractors continue to work multiple shifts every day to fix lead paint issues, and we are accelerating our efforts to maintain a key aim identified in our lead action plan. Our goal continues to be that — by the start of the school year — all schools built before 1950 that serve elementary children would be cleared by the Milwaukee Health Department.”
More than 150 painters are currently working at MPS sites. Specific items of progress and next steps include:
For schools in each group, see below. MPS remains on track for its goal of clearing all buildings built prior to 1978, serving elementary students, by the end of this calendar year.
“I want to extend my appreciation once again to our dedicated staff and contractors who have been working tirelessly across multiple shifts to make spaces safe and to all of our families and employees for their patience during this challenging time,” said Dr. Cassellius. “I am grateful for the opportunity to restore your trust in our schools and this district that is so vital to the community we all share.”
The first day of classes at MPS is Tuesday, September 2.
SCHOOLS
Nine schools — including all schools that were temporarily relocated during the 2024-25 school year — have been officially cleared of lead hazards by the Milwaukee Health Department:
Another 14 schools in the next phase are nearing completion of the stabilization process:
The next 18 schools are set to be stabilized in the coming days and weeks:
Final 9 schools include some buildings with additions built after 1978 and others that have excess space with the ability to relocate classes internally: