Milwaukee City Wire

Fernwood Montessori School in Milwaukee is scheduled to reopen on Friday, April 25, following its recent clearance by the City of Milwaukee Health Department after lead remediation efforts. The department confirmed that the building at 3239 S. Pennsylvania Ave. meets necessary safety standards.

Superintendent Brenda Cassellius remarked on the development, 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.” Cassellius emphasized the importance of collaboration with the health department, highlighting the need for urgent and precise actions. She acknowledged ongoing similar initiatives across other district buildings.

In the interim, students will continue attending Andrew S. Douglas Middle School on April 23 and 24. During this time, staff will make final preparations for students' return to the Fernwood premises.

The temporary relocation to Douglas followed Fernwood's closure on March 17 due to the need for stabilizing and cleaning lead hazards. It was a precautionary measure, and no students have been found with elevated blood lead levels as a result of lead dust exposure at Fernwood.

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) have pledged to uphold heightened cleaning and maintenance procedures at the school. The district is also prioritizing inspections for lead hazards in other facilities, focusing on older buildings that typically house younger students, as they face the highest risk from lead exposure.

Additional work continues at Starms Early Childhood Center and LaFollette School, which were also closed on March 17.