Milwaukee, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Riverside University High School is closed following a chemical spill involving potentially hazardous materials. The school will delay its opening previously set for Tuesday. Although air quality tests are acceptable, cleanup efforts are ongoing, and some classrooms will remain closed as a precaution. School staff, however, will continue preparations while the investigation into the spill, likely caused by outdated science equipment, is underway. Parents have been informed, emphasizing the safety of students as a top priority.
Milwaukee – Riverside University High School will remain closed on Tuesday, September 2, due to a chemical spill at the facility. This incident has resulted in a delay of the school’s opening, originally scheduled for the same day, with classes now set to commence on Wednesday, September 3. Parents were informed of this decision in a letter issued by Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS).
The announcement came from MPS Deputy Superintendent Eduardo Galván, who indicated that, while air quality tests conducted at the school showed acceptable levels following the spill, extensive cleanup efforts are still underway. As a precaution, several classrooms will remain off-limits until further notice, ensuring the safety and well-being of both students and staff.
Despite the closure for students, school staff are expected to report to work on Tuesday, continuing with preparations for the upcoming academic year. The investigation into the root cause of the spill is ongoing, with officials suggesting that outdated science equipment possibly containing mercury could have contributed to the incident.
This decision directly affects Riverside University High School and its students, marking an atypical start to the school year. In contrast, most other Milwaukee schools are proceeding with their planned openings as scheduled on September 2. This situation has raised concerns among parents and the community regarding safety protocol and emergency response measures within the schools.
The safety of students is the highest priority for the Milwaukee Public Schools, and as such, all efforts will continue to ensure that the environment is safe before students return on September 3. Further updates will be provided by school officials as the investigation and cleanup progress.
Details of the Incident
- Date of spill: September 2, 2023
- Initial reopening: Scheduled for September 2
- New reopening date: September 3, 2023
- Inspection: Air quality tests positive; ongoing cleanup
- Classes affected: Several classrooms closed
- Staff requirement: Staff must report to work
Background Context
Riverside University High School is one of many educational institutions under the Milwaukee Public Schools district, which serves a diverse student body. The school has established protocols for hazardous incidents, but the discovery of hazardous materials like mercury in old equipment highlights the challenges associated with maintaining safe educational environments.
As the school year begins, the administration is focused on minimizing disruptions while ensuring that the necessary precautions are taken for the health and safety of everyone involved. Parents and community members are encouraged to stay informed through official communication channels as the school navigates this unexpected situation.
FAQ
What caused the closure of Riverside University High School?
The school is closed due to a chemical spill involving old science equipment that may have contained mercury.
The school is closed due to a chemical spill involving old science equipment that may have contained mercury.
When will students return to school?
Students are scheduled to return to Riverside University High School on Wednesday, September 3.
Students are scheduled to return to Riverside University High School on Wednesday, September 3.
Are classroom conditions safe?
While air quality tests have been passed, some classrooms will remain closed as cleanup efforts are ongoing to ensure safety before students return.
While air quality tests have been passed, some classrooms will remain closed as cleanup efforts are ongoing to ensure safety before students return.
What should parents do?
Parents are encouraged to stay updated through official communications from Milwaukee Public Schools regarding their child’s school reopening and safety measures.
Parents are encouraged to stay updated through official communications from Milwaukee Public Schools regarding their child’s school reopening and safety measures.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Chemical spill at Riverside University High School |
| Date of Closure | September 2, 2023 |
| New Opening Date | September 3, 2023 |
| Impact on School Year | Delayed start for Riverside University High School |
| Ongoing Actions | Cleanup efforts and investigation into the cause |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Journeys Lutheran School Delays Opening Due to Flood Damage
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
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