The city of Milwaukee has completed efforts to stabilize nearly 100 public schools previously identified with lead paint hazards. This milestone follows challenges, including the city’s loss of federal support from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in April due to broad workforce cuts, which were later reversed in June when the CDC program was reinstated, allowing re-engagement with Milwaukee, reports BritPanorama.
All schools flagged for issues have been inspected and deemed safe by Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). The district wrapped up approximately 10 months of refurbishment two weeks ahead of a December 31 deadline, addressing around 7 million square feet across the district’s facilities, including 2,700 classrooms and common areas.
“This is an important milestone for the MPS community,” stated MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius in a news release. “We have asked so much of our students, families, and staff over the past 10 months as we addressed this issue with the urgency it required … because of the hard work of so many dedicated teams in our district – we can move forward with the peace of mind that our schools are safe.”
In total, MPS had to temporary relocate students or close parts of six schools due to significant lead contamination. However, over 90 schools remained operational during the remediation efforts. The urgency of the situation was highlighted in January 2025 when an MPS student was diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels, likely from exposure to deteriorating paint in a school bathroom.
Subsequent inspections identified lead hazards in 99 schools built before 1978, when lead paint was still permitted, many of which had lacked adequate maintenance. In response to the findings, the district initiated intensive cleanup and repainting operations while the city’s health department enhanced lead screening programs.
On April 1, 2025, Milwaukee’s health commissioner, Mike Totoraitis, faced a setback when he learned that the CDC’s environmental health team had been disbanded amid large-scale federal layoffs. Totoraitis described the abrupt transition as problematic, with new contacts unable to provide clear guidance on future support.
Although Totoraitis had sought assistance from the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service, that request was denied. Fortunately, the CDC team resumed its collaboration with the city by June, allowing for the continuation of lead safety initiatives.
“The City of Milwaukee Health Department is proud to have gone above and beyond to protect the city’s children, and we remain committed to this work as long as it takes,” Totoraitis remarked in a news release.
Moving forward, MPS has implemented new processes and staffing aimed at preventing future lead contamination. These enhancements include expanded training for staff, 39 new custodial positions, and four operations managers active in schools to address concerns promptly. Additionally, all district facilities will undergo lead-based paint inspections, supported by new Environmental Health & Safety staff conducting regular evaluations.
The city announced an expenditure of at least $43 million on lead abatement initiatives to ensure the safety of its school environments.
