Milwaukee, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Riverside University High School will be closed on September 2 due to a chemical spill involving outdated science equipment potentially containing mercury. Milwaukee Public Schools announced the postponement of the school year’s start to ensure safety and thorough cleanup, with classes now scheduled to begin on September 3. School staff will report to assist with the cleanup, while air quality tests have confirmed safety. An investigation is underway to understand the spill and prevent future incidents.
Milwaukee – Riverside University High School has announced a closure on Tuesday, September 2, due to a chemical spill that has delayed the opening of the school year. Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) communicated to parents via a letter, advising that students should not report to school on that day. The school will now begin classes on Wednesday, September 3.
The decision to postpone the first day of school was announced by MPS Deputy Superintendent Eduardo Galván, emphasizing the need for safety and thorough cleanup efforts before students return to campus. Although air quality tests conducted after the incident showed safe results, certain classrooms will remain closed to ensure a safe learning environment for all students when they return.
School staff, however, are still required to report to work on September 2, to assist in ongoing cleanup activities and prepare for the students’ return. The situation arises while most other schools in Milwaukee are set to open as scheduled on the same day.
Officials are actively investigating the cause of the chemical spill, indicating that outdated science equipment that may contain mercury could have played a role. The district is taking this incident seriously, working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the spill and ensure that such events do not happen in the future.
Community Reaction
The unexpected closure has raised concerns among parents and residents, who are wondering about the safety measures in place at the school. MPS is committed to keeping the community informed as details about the cleanup and investigation progress. The school’s administration has been proactive in addressing any questions and concerns that parents may have regarding the safety of their children.
Background Information
Riverside University High School is one of the key educational institutions within the Milwaukee Public Schools district. It serves a diverse student body with a focus on preparing students for higher education and future careers. The typical school year begins in late August or early September, and this chemical spill incident marks a significant disruption to that schedule.
Mercury exposure is a serious concern, as it can have severe health effects. The investigation into the spill is focused on understanding how the chemical was released and ensuring there are no residual hazards for students or staff at the school. The safety of students and staff remains the priority for MPS during this disruption.
Conclusion
As Riverside University High School prepares to reopen on September 3, parents, staff, and students are urged to stay updated on the situation through official communication channels. The district is making every effort to ensure a safe return to the classroom under the circumstances.
FAQ Section
Why is Riverside University High School closed on September 2?
The school is closed due to a chemical spill involving outdated science equipment that may contain mercury. Cleanup efforts are ongoing.
When will the school reopen?
Riverside University High School will reopen on Wednesday, September 3.
What safety measures are being taken after the spill?
Air quality tests have shown safe results, but some classrooms will remain closed during cleanup. School officials are investigating the incident to prevent future occurrences.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Date | September 2 |
| Reopening Date | September 3 |
| Safety Tests | Air quality tests confirmed safety |
| Investigation Focus | Outdated scientific equipment containing mercury |
| Impacted Classrooms | Some classrooms will remain closed during cleanup |
| Staff Attendance | Staff required to report on closure day |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Journeys Lutheran School Faces Delay Due to Flood Damage
Celebrations and Fireworks Across the Delaware Valley
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 PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia 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 Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
