Lincoln Avenue School families learn about plans for upcoming year at new location after devastating fire

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's been nearly two weeks since a massive fire broke out at Lincoln Avenue School. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) held a meeting for families, students and staff on Monday, July 13 to answer their questions. 

Lincoln Avenue School will soon be demolished and the nearly 500 students will relocate to Pulaski High School. MPS leaders say there is still some work being done at Pulaski to ensure a safe transition. 

There were a number of schools considered to be the new home for Lincoln Avenue students, but ultimately Pulaski was picked because it was able to keep all 450 students in one site, while also being close -- only a mile-and-a-half away. 

One person in the meeting asked about rebuilding Lincoln; MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said it's still too soon to think about that. Another alumnus asked about being able to buy bricks once the school is demolished, to which Supt. Cassellius said she'd have to ask MFD to ensure that would be safe.

"That school meant a lot to me. The rest of my family, they went there," said that alumni, through tears.

"Changing the building, it causes a different level of stress, and we want to recognize that. But we also want to make sure that you know that we are here as part of the community to ensure you have what you need for a successful start to the school year," shared Michael Harris, the interim deputy superintendent of operations.

There will be an open house in the future so families can get to know their new location. 

Families and teachers said they've felt the community's support throughout donations made, though an exact amount has been released. 

Others reflected on what the 110-year-old school has meant to them. 

"Losing Lincoln Avenue School, a building that served the neighborhood for over 100 years is a loss and we know how much it means to students and families and staff who call it home. But we also know a school is more than bricks and walls. A school is its students, its educators, its staff, its classrooms filled with learning and laughter and joy, and those things can't be taken away by a fire. The heart of Lincoln Avenue has always been its people and that will continue wherever learning takes place," said MPS Board of School Directors President Missy Zombor. 

The school, over 110 years old, did not have fire sprinklers, as state law didn't require it at the time. Supt. Cassellius says retrofitting their dozens of older buildings isa conversation that needs to happen, though it could cost 1-2 million dollars per school. "

Despite the sadness, students like Lilyanie, an incoming fourth grader, are optimistic about getting back to school. 

"Feeling pretty excited going to a new school knowing all my friends and teachers are going to be there," Lilyanie said. "I feel I can be sad because our old school was burnt down. But at least we're going to a new school."

MPS teacher Araceli Barroso was going to start teaching at Lincoln Avenue this fall, and feels ready to take on challenges with the support of her colleagues and community.

"We are together in this, and we want to move forward. it's going to be a very successful school year," said Barroso. 

For Lincoln Avenue School families who couldn't make the meeting, there will be another at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 13 at the Rogers Street Academy Boys & Girls Club, located at 2404 W. Rogers Street. 

To see FAQ from the school, click here. 

If you'd like to help those affected by the fire, MPS is asking you make monetary donations through this link, selecting “Lincoln Avenue Elementary School Fund”). The funds will "be first used to support the school’s classroom and teacher needs, followed other areas of greatest need as determined by school leaders as we work to support the school now and in the future."