Milwaukee Public Schools Expands Lead Remediation Efforts, Closing Two More Schools

MILWAUKEE - In response to the ongoing lead crisis, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) announced on April 28 that two additional schools, West Side Academy and Brown Street Academy, will close for lead remediation. The closures are set to begin on May 5 and May 12, respectively, with students relocated to Douglas Middle School during the cleaning process. MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius emphasized the importance of starting remediation prior to the end of the school year to ensure safety and allow for further work on other buildings over the summer. 'While there is no immediate danger in these buildings, and no students have been identified as having elevated lead levels, there is significant work that needs to be done,' she stated during a press conference. The lead action plan not only outlines the immediate steps being taken but also addresses the historical context, as many of the MPS buildings were constructed before the 1978 lead paint ban. This has raised growing concerns among parents, some of whom voiced their frustrations regarding the delayed response to a longstanding public health issue. Lynnette Mahnke, whose children attend Brown Street Academy, expressed her worries about potential disruptions to her son's education, especially given his autistic condition and sensitivity to changes. The challenge of lead exposure in Milwaukee is compounded by issues of accountability and funding, particularly regarding past government cuts to organizations like the CDC, which have affected local public health capabilities. Congresswoman Gwen Moore's criticism of the Trump Administration reflects the political dimensions of this public health crisis. As they explore legal options against lead paint companies, the school district is also facing accountability regarding their own historical neglect of lead-related issues. As this situation progresses, parents are left hoping that the action taken will not only address current risks but also signal a more comprehensive long-term strategy for managing lead exposure in school environments. Critically, more than 100 MPS schools were built before the lead paint ban, indicating that the need for ongoing inspections and remediation will remain essential moving forward. In the meantime, the district must focus on clearer communication and support for families affected by these necessary closures.