WE NEED LEAD SAFE SCHOOLS NOW!
upcoming events HERE!
lead safe schools MKE are a group of CONCERNED families and community members who are ORGANIZING for lead free schools in Milwaukee. Our children and staff deserve a toxic free learning environment.
no amount of lead is safe
No amount of lead is safe for human beings. In 1978, lead based paint was banned in the United States. However, many homes built before 1978 still have lead based paint issues. In 1986, lead service lines (pipes)were banned however premises lead pipes still exist in older homes and in our schools.
We must work together to clear our environment of this hazard.
WE NEED LEAD SAFE SCHOOLS NOW
The Issue
In January we learned that a child was lead poisoned by an unsafe MPS building. Additional schools have been inspected for lead hazards. The schools impacted thus far are Golda Meir Lower Campus, Kagel Elementary, Maryland Avenue Montessori, Trowbridge Street, Fernwood Montessori, Starms Early Childhood Center, and LaFolette School.
What You Need To Know
No amount of lead is safe. Lead poisoning can occur at low levels of exposure and can have devastating health impacts such as delayed puberty, lower IQ, attention, behavior, and learning problems.
The Milwaukee Health Department assessments of Kagel, Trowbridge, Maryland Avenue Montessori and Golda Meir schools showed high levels of lead dust throughout the environment as well as lead in some water sources. Lead paint was used prior to 1978 in most buildings. More than 85% of MPS buildings were built before 1980. The US banned lead pipes for water distribution in 1986. MPS schools do not have lead service lines but are likely to have internal lead plumbing given that lead-in-water testing shows high lead levels in some sources according to the health departments reports.
MPS receives most of its funding from the state. The state has decreased its funding of public schools as it has forced taxpayers to pay for private voucher schools. This has directly resulted in deferred maintenance and inadequate staffing.
What You Can Do
Join the MPS parent-led group, LEAD-SAFE SCHOOLS MKE to find out more information and to get involved. Head over to our website to see other actions you can take immediately!