News Summary
Riverside University High School in Milwaukee will postpone its start of classes due to a chemical spill discovered on campus. Despite safety evaluations indicating acceptable air quality, some classrooms will remain closed as a precaution. Staff must report for cleanup while families adjust their back-to-school plans. The incident highlights ongoing maintenance issues with outdated science equipment.
Milwaukee – Riverside University High School will not open on Tuesday, September 2, following a chemical spill discovered on the premises. The Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) announced that students should refrain from attending school on this day, postponing the start of classes until Wednesday, September 3.
The closure was confirmed by MPS Deputy Superintendent Eduardo Galván in a communication sent to parents. During this closure, staff members are still required to report to work to assist with ongoing cleanup and safety measures.
Cleanup operations are currently underway, although air quality tests conducted after the incident have shown that the school passed safety evaluations. Despite these results, several classrooms will remain closed as a precaution. The cause of the chemical spill is still under investigation, with early indications suggesting that outdated science equipment containing mercury may have played a role in the incident.
This disruption has significant implications for Riverside University High School, affecting the traditional start of the school year, while most other schools within the Milwaukee Public Schools district remain unaffected and continue their scheduled openings as planned. The decision to delay the start of classes primarily impacts Riverside’s students and staff, leaving a number of parents and families adjusting their back-to-school plans abruptly.
The Milwaukee Public Schools district has taken this incident seriously, working diligently to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the surrounding community. Following the spill, the district has communicated ongoing updates to parents, emphasizing their commitment to safety during the cleanup process.
This is not the first time Riverside University High School has faced challenges in recent years. As educational facilities generally age, maintenance and updates of equipment become increasingly critical to avoid safety hazards, particularly in science laboratories where chemical materials are stored and utilized. The proper handling, storage, and disposal of such materials are essential components of a school’s safety policy, which the district is currently reviewing in light of this incident.
As classes are set to resume on September 3, the district encourages all families to stay informed through official communications regarding any further developments or updates regarding classroom availability and safety measures. Parents are advised to ensure their children are prepared for school to commence as planned, while remaining aware of any potential changes that may arise if the investigation into the spill leads to further findings or necessary precautions.
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Additional Resources
- WISN: Chemical Spill Delays First Day of School at Riverside High School
- Wikipedia: Chemical Spill
- TMJ4: Chemical Spill Closes One Milwaukee School
- Google Search: School Chemical Spills
- Fox6Now: Riverside University High School Closed Due to Chemical Spill
- Google Scholar: Chemical Spill Protocols in Schools
- WUWM: Milwaukee Area Students Are Back to School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- Hoodline: Milwaukee’s Riverside University High School Postpones First Day Amid Cleanup
- Google News: Milwaukee High School Chemical Spills
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
