Milwaukee Health Department will close school over lead concerns 

The Milwaukee Health Department said Thursday it will temporarily close a public elementary school due to “unsafe lead dust levels” for additional remediation and assessment work.

Trowbridge Street School of Great Lakes Studies in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood will close Monday, according to a letter from the leaders of the health department and Milwaukee Public Schools.

Its students will relocate to Wisconsin Conservatory of Lifelong Learning in the city’s near west side.

According to the letter, the health department has found lead hazards in multiple school facilities, especially in those built before 1978, when lead-based paint was commonly used. The department detected the unsafe lead levels at Trowbridge in areas that were previously remediated and cleaned.

Three other schools so far have identified lead hazards. Health and school officials are encouraging parents to test their kids and take steps at home to reduce lead exposure.

“Ensuring the safety of students and staff remains our top priority,” Health Commissioner Mike Totoraitis and Interim Superintendent Eduardo Galvan wrote.

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