Milwaukee is currently confronting a significant lead contamination crisis within its public school system, resulting in school closures, administrative changes, legal considerations, and heightened community concern. The turmoil has notably affected several schools and sparked intense discussions over the city's response and accountability.
The lead issues became apparent in November after a child from Milwaukee tested positive for elevated blood lead levels. Initial investigations traced the contamination to their elementary school, with hazards linked to lead paint in older school buildings. According to reports, 100 out of 150 school facilities were constructed before 1978, a period when lead paint was still commonly used. The city had inadequately maintained these aging infrastructures, contributing to the exposure risk.
Since March 17, Fernwood Montessori School, LaFollette School, and Starms Early Childhood Education Center have been closed due to lead concerns. Superintendent Brenda Cassellius addressed the school board recently, outlining remediation timelines: Fernwood is set to reopen imminently, Starms should complete lead removal by the end of April, and LaFollette’s remediation may extend for up to five weeks. To better inform families, MPS has shared a comprehensive FAQ list online and pledged to enhance its communication efforts regarding the ongoing work at affected sites. Cassellius said, “We also heard repeated calls from families to increase our communications to them on the status of the work happening in their buildings, and we are committed to doing that.”
Parents and community members have voiced frustration over what they see as a lack of transparency and trust. Casey, a local parent, told WTMJ-TV during an April 10 virtual town hall, “I think the district has a ways to go with transparency and earning back our trust with some commitments.”
Administrative changes have taken place in connection with the crisis. Sean Kane, previously the senior director of facilities and maintenance for Milwaukee Public Schools, was recently removed from his position. Kane faced criticism for holding an expired architect’s licence and for not adhering to mandated lead-safe remediation procedures. Dr Michael Totoraitis, Milwaukee’s commissioner of health, commented on the dismissal, stating, “I never want to see anybody lose their job or their role. However, I do think at this moment, it was warranted to help move us into this next step.” Community advocates have highlighted a March 19 order from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services that found the facilities department’s noncompliance had created “a condition that is an unreasonable risk to the health and safety of the children and staff attending MPS schools.” Seven schools have been impacted so far, with four students confirmed to have lead poisoning.
The response to the crisis has also been impeded by federal workforce reductions. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lead poisoning prevention and surveillance programme has been affected by layoffs starting April 1, which resulted in the state’s request for an EpiAid officer—a temporary federal expert loan—from the CDC being denied. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, addressed the issue on April 3, indicating the potential reinstatement of some cut programmes, including lead poisoning initiatives. An HHS spokesperson added, “HHS is planning to continue the important work of the lead poisoning prevention and surveillance branch that works to eliminate childhood lead poisoning under the Administration for a Healthy America.” Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s health department has affirmed its commitment to resolving the matter locally, with Caroline Reinwald, its marketing and communications officer, stating, “The city remains committed to moving this work forward and finding solutions locally.”
Mayor Cavalier Johnson acknowledged the situation and the city's active engagement, declaring, “We recognize that there are issues, and we are actively working to address those issues, with keeping the health and, again, the well-being of kids at the forefront.” Discussions regarding potential legal action have emerged, with Milwaukee Public Schools considering a lawsuit against lead paint manufacturers. Board member Missy Zombor expressed to Fox 6 Milwaukee, “As we seek resources to help with remediation efforts, we can’t leave any rock unturned. It’s incredibly unfair for taxpayers and school districts to have to foot the bill, when the lead paint industry knew that the lead paint was toxic at the time it was being promoted.”
Milwaukee is not alone in confronting lead contamination in educational facilities. Last year, the Oakland Unified School District in California faced criticism for delays in releasing lead level testing results, which had revealed elevated lead concentrations in drinking water at several schools. One fountain was measured at 51 parts per billion—ten times the district’s allowable limit. The district admitted shortcomings in communication to families. Stuart Loebl, a sixth-grade teacher at Frick United Academy of Language, commented on the impact, saying, “Students have been drinking lead water this whole time – obviously before the report was released but since as well, which is infuriating. We need a very comprehensive plan for testing going forward that does not just spot test.”
The Milwaukee Public Schools lead crisis exemplifies challenges related to infrastructure maintenance, health risks, and government response coordination. As the city works to remediate affected schools and support impacted families, the situation remains under close observation by residents and officials alike.
Source: Noah Wire Services