Milwaukee Public Schools Closes Two More Buildings Due to Lead Hazards

In a significant public health response, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has announced the closure of two additional school buildings, Westside Academy and Brown Street Academy, due to the discovery of lead hazards. The closure marks a continued effort to address safety concerns amid ongoing concerns about lead exposure, particularly in older school structures built before 1978 when lead paint was federally banned. The relocation of students to Andrew S. Douglas Middle School has raised concerns among parents and the community, but Superintendent Brenda Cassellius reassured stakeholders that no immediate danger exists in the schools and that no students had tested positive for elevated blood lead levels. The decision was made after newly-released health reports pointed to chipping paint, a common source of lead dust, necessitating urgent action. The situation is part of a broader problem that has impacted several schools since the city's childhood lead poisoning management program revealed disturbing data in January. Although MPS and the Milwaukee Health Department have begun a lead action plan that includes visual assessments and environmental sampling, there remains parent apprehension regarding the health of children attending these institutions. Furthermore, the financial implications are notable as the remediation efforts already cost around $2 million. Opinions on whether adequate measures were implemented sooner have also surfaced amidst calls for transparency in the process. While Cassellius and Health Commissioner Michael Totoraitis hailed progress, the lingering issues of lead exposure in schools constructed more than a century ago indicate a looming crisis of safety and health for vulnerable populations — particularly young children who are at risk for developmental and behavioral problems due to lead exposure. The latest clinic for blood lead screening is scheduled for May 7, which may help alleviate community concerns, but the situation underscores the urgent need for continued monitoring and proactive measures in public health matters related to education environments.