Superintendent outlines lead remediation progress and $43M estimate; district reports audit work
Summary
Superintendent Brenda Kacelius reported lead stabilization work across elementary schools, testing that identified one school‑linked case, and an estimated $43 million in total lead‑related costs as of Nov. 17; the meeting also included updates on operational, HR and instructional audits and related implementation steps.
Superintendent Brenda Kacelius presented the monthly report and a status update on the district's 'lead action.' She said the district completed work in elementary schools built before 1950 and is on track to finish remaining stabilization in the next group of schools earlier than planned. "We estimate that our total cost will be around $43,000,000 as of November 17," she said, describing approximately $36,000,000 in contract work and about $7,000,000 in direct district expenses.
Kacelius said MPS has tested about 500 students at nine schools between May and September and noted one student lead‑poisoning case conclusively linked to a school. The district is partnering with the Milwaukee Department of Health and said a federal grant will expand lead testing at schools, targeting 35–50 schools and roughly 8,000 students under that effort.
Deputy Superintendent Eduardo Galvan summarized progress on the governor‑directed operational audit: 27 of 29 priorities have been started and 18 are well underway or completed, with top priorities including governance framework, strategic‑plan updates, communications, and technology and operations redesign.
The board heard a human resources audit update from Dominic Maniscalco addressing recruitment, time‑to‑fill improvements, a year‑round staffing strategy and plans to address internal and external pay equity; the district said near‑term HR changes include accepting unofficial transcripts to speed hiring and adding multiple career fairs.
