Milwaukee City Wire

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) recently celebrated the opening of new facilities at Fairview School, Ronald W. Reagan College Preparatory High School, and Milwaukee High School of the Arts with a series of ribbon-cutting ceremonies over two weeks. These additions aim to enhance educational opportunities in subjects such as engineering, design, art, music, and dance.

The expansions were made possible through federal pandemic-relief funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) program. The funding was intended to support education following disruptions caused by COVID-19.

At Fairview School, students now have access to improved classrooms for art, music, and engineering. The new wing was funded entirely with $8.9 million from ESSER funds. "This addition will not only help students make the most of their time at Fairview," said Principal Eric Sullivan, "it will help ensure they are ready for high school and beyond."

Reagan High School's expansion includes a new science wing and an athletic complex funded partially by ESSER funds and contributions from donors such as Mary and Ted Kellner and the Pat Connaughton Foundation. Principal Mike Roemer highlighted that before these improvements, "Reagan high school students have been learning in a building designed for middle school." The new facilities include science labs geared toward health careers and sports facilities.

At Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA), a 3,000-square-foot dance studio has replaced makeshift spaces previously used for dance classes. Additionally, a new lab supports Project Lead The Way courses focused on STEAM fields. Principal Larry Farris emphasized the importance of these spaces: “Our students need to be in spaces like these to meet today’s educational demands.”

The renovations also included visible improvements like exterior panels at MHSA and vital upgrades such as a new air-handling system.

Further ribbon cuttings are planned throughout the school year for additional projects within MPS.