MPS submits plan to address growing lead hazards, Evers administration orders district to take corrective action

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On Friday, March 21, Milwaukee Public Schools submitted a lead action plan that outlines the district's next steps in preventing lead hazards in district buildings.

The plan from MPS fulfills a deadline set by the Milwaukee Health Department last month and outlines what the district will do to "assess, address, and prevent" the lead concerns moving forward.

The full plan was not released, but the health department outlined key points:

• With more than 130 buildings assumed to have lead paint, MPS said "the oldest schools with the youngest learners will be prioritized for inspection/remediation."
• 10 new staff members have been hired so far for lead stabilization.
• And visual inspections are tentatively expected to be completed in May for the oldest buildings.

New MPS superintendent Brenda Cassellius said in a statement, "Meeting this deadline, set by MHD, is an indication that we are moving forward with intention and urgency."

Health commissioner Michael Totoraitis said, "We expect clearly defined timelines, proper staffing and training, and a commitment to continuous improvement in lead safety practices across all MPS buildings."

The lead plan comes as the Governor's office is wading into the MPS lead crisis and putting additional pressure on the district.

This week the Wisconsin Department of Health Services sent the MPS facilities director a letter outlining multiple rule violations.

Among them were improper cleaning and allowing students to return to school "while paint chip dust and debris from the previous night’s work was present."

In the letter, DHS ordered MPS to implement a plan of correction. The district says many of those measures have already been underway.

Milwaukee Public Health has long said the department needs help to get a handle on the growing and evolving problem.

At the federal level, the EPA is now involved and conversations with the CDC continue.

This is the first time state authorities are involved, but it's unclear if they'll offer any assistance.

The Department of Health Services said no one was available to speak about the issue Friday.

The health department will now review the full MPS plan and confirm the next steps.

MPS is currently on spring break for the next week, and remediation efforts will continue at the affected schools while students are away.