News Summary
Riverside University High School has postponed its classes to September 3 after a chemical spill linked to old science equipment containing mercury. Deputy Superintendent Eduardo Galván confirmed no students should report on September 2, allowing for ongoing cleanup. While Riverside’s staff prepares for the new school year, other Milwaukee Public Schools will start as scheduled. This delay follows recent flooding issues affecting the historic school. Parents are advised to stay updated as safety measures are enforced during the cleanup.
Milwaukee – Riverside University High School has announced a delay in the start of classes until September 3, due to ongoing cleanup efforts from a recent chemical spill. The decision was confirmed by Eduardo Galván, the Deputy Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), who noted that no students should report to school on September 2 while cleanup continues.
Staff members are expected to return to work on September 2 in preparation for the students’ eventual return the following day. The chemical spill is believed to have originated from old science equipment that may contain mercury, prompting immediate safety measures to be taken. Despite the situation, Galván has reassured the school community that air quality tests conducted after the spill confirmed safety, although certain classrooms will remain closed throughout the cleanup process.
Impact on Surrounding Schools
While Riverside University High School will not begin its academic year until September 3, other institutions within the Milwaukee Public Schools system are set to start on September 2. This situation follows a series of challenges faced by Riverside University High School, including recent flooding that has led to damage across its premises. The school has already identified about 10 classrooms that will need to be relocated due to the impacts of flooding, an issue that has plagued the institution in recent years.
Flooding History and Infrastructure Concerns
The historic building, which opened its doors in 1912, has suffered from significant deferred maintenance totaling over $5.59 million prior to the current flooding incidents. Areas of the school have been severely compromised, with reports indicating that nearly 6 feet of floodwater impacted the lower levels of the building during previous flood events in 2010 and 2011. The cleanup efforts following the recent floods have involved the use of inflatable tubing to dry out the affected areas.
Journeys Lutheran School, another educational institution in Milwaukee, is also reportedly facing delays due to its own flood damage. This school is expected to start classes approximately three weeks late, with cleanup costs estimated at around $100,000 and potential damages reaching over $1 million.
Looking Ahead
The delay at Riverside University High School aims to ensure that students and staff return to a safe and conducive learning environment. The ongoing cleanup efforts are a top priority, as officials work diligently to address both the chemical spill and the recent flooding issues the school has experienced. Parents and guardians of students are encouraged to keep abreast of any further updates as the school prepares for its new start date.
Riverside University High School is located at 1615 E. Locust St. in Milwaukee. As the surrounding community gears up for the academic year, the focus remains on ensuring safety and stability in the wake of natural and hazardous incidents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Journeys Lutheran School in Hales Corners Delays Opening After Flood Damage
Additional Resources
- Fox6 Now: Riverside University High School Closed Due to Chemical Spill
- Jsonline: Riverside High School Impacted by Flooding
- TMJ4: Chemical Spill Closes Milwaukee School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chemical Spill
- Google Search: Milwaukee Public Schools
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
