Following an extended closure due to concerns over lead contamination, Fernwood Montessori School is slated to open its doors once again tomorrow, April 25. The announcement comes after the Milwaukee Health Department confirmed the school's safety, having passed the necessary clearance checks post-lead remediation efforts. Additional cleaning had been mandated in select locations within the school, prompting a slight delay in its reopening. This cleanup was part of a comprehensive response by the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) district to address lead hazards across multiple facilities.
Previously scheduled to welcome students back this past Wednesday, the opening was postponed after MPS received a notification from the health department requiring further testing in four of 60 areas within Fernwood Montessori, as reported by WISN. The school's administration has signaled readiness to resume normal operations, and MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius has voiced her satisfaction, stating, "I am pleased that we will be able to reopen Fernwood and that students and families will be able to finish this school year in their building," during a health department verification, according to a statement obtained by MPS news.
In parallel to the ongoing situation at Fernwood Montessori, MPS is continuing efforts to ensure the safety of other schools within the district. Starms Early Childhood and LaFollette School, both closed since March 17, are undergoing similar lead hazard evaluations and cleaning processes. MPS has elevated the importance of lead hazard prevention, particularly in older school buildings, and is prioritizing the facilities occupied by the youngest learners who are at greater risk from lead exposure.
Superintendent Cassellius expressed confidence in the district's approach towards addressing these hazardous conditions. "I'm really not worried about it because what we're doing is learning as we go, and our staff is getting better and better at these cleaning protocols, which is almost at the level of a hospital clean," Cassellius told CBS58. In light of the successful clearance, Fernwood Montessori staff will have access on Thursday to prepare for the students' return the following day.
