MPS reveals multiple schools have hazardous levels of lead inside buildings

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) Two students at Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) have tested positive for elevated levels of lead. Now, the school district and health department officials say lead hazards have been found in multiple schools.

“Serious lead hazards have been identified,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson in a press conference Thursday afternoon.

In November, an MPS student showed high levels of lead in their blood. The Milwaukee Health Department says after testing the student’s home, they then began testing the school.

“We learned that the child was potentially exposed at Golda Meir lower campus,” said Milwaukee Health Department Commissioner Mike Totoraitis.

According to a report published by the city’s health department, the lower campus had elevated lead dust levels in multiple rooms.

“Some initial test results show alarming levels of lead dust on places like windowsills and as well as on floors in some schools,” said Johnson.

It wasn’t the only one. Kagel Elementary also tested positive for lead hazards. Maryland Avenue Montessori and Chinese Immersion School are currently going through initial lead testing investigations.

“We will test more if there are lead poisoned children,” said Totoraitis.

Daisy Aldabe’s daughter is a student at Kagel Elementary. Aldabe says her daughter was showing elevated levels of lead in her blood and Aldabe assumed it was because of their home.

“But now as I see it between my house and the school, so we’re gonna have to do the testing all over again,” said Aldabe. “Getting them in and out and home safely and for it to not spread.”

The health department has outlined an action plan for schools with high lead levels, including cleaning all surfaces, and in some cases, renovation.

“We assume that lead is in every building in the City of Milwaukee if it was built prior to 1978,” said Milwaukee Public Schools Interim Superintendent Eduardo Galvan

In the meantime, health department officials are now recommending that all children under the age of six and children with special needs that attend an MPS school get a lead screening test.

“I have no doubt in my mind they’re going to get it together fast,” said Aldabe.