One year ago, the public learned that a child was lead poisoned while attending a Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) building. That disclosure should have prompted urgent, transparent, and comprehensive action. One year later, MPS’ own records show that this has not happened.
MPS environmental data reveal that lead hazard testing in school buildings has been incomplete by design. Contractors documented that they were instructed not to sample many known sources of lead dust, including stairwells, bathrooms, offices, radiators, window troughs, exterior components, and window sills beyond a child’s reach. These are well-established lead exposure pathways in older buildings. Limiting testing to selected surfaces does not reflect how lead exposure actually occurs.
MPS has also failed to provide complete clearance data, even under its own framework. While most “Goal 1” schools have reported some data, seven Goal 1 schools have no clearance documentation, and no clearance data have been released for any “Goal 2” schools. In total, MPS claims 54 schools have been cleared without providing evidence.
Clearance data are essential. Without them, families, staff, and the public cannot verify that remediation—if conducted—was effective or that buildings are safe.
MPS continues to refuse to test middle and high schools for lead hazards, despite shared infrastructure risks and the well-documented harms of lead exposure to adolescents and adults. Lead safety should not depend on grade level.
Finally, although MPS has conducted water testing with Milwaukee Water Works, the results have not been made public. Records obtained through public requests show lead-in-water at levels that trigger recommended action. Parents and staff should not have to file records requests to know whether school water is safe.
One year after a child was harmed, families are still being asked to trust a system that limits testing and withholds critical information.
Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. It requires full-building testing, public release of all environmental and water data, independent clearance verification, and inclusion of every school. Transparency is the minimum standard.
Lead-Safe Schools MKE calls on MPS to immediately release all missing clearance data, publish all water testing results, expand lead hazard testing to all schools and spaces, and commit to full public transparency. Our school communities deserve safe buildings—and honest information about their condition.
