MPS given 1 week to address rodent problem at Pulaski High School

Updated: May 20, 2025

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The mice infestation at Pulaski High School in Milwaukee has been fixed. The City of Milwaukee Health Department says that following a reinspection on Tuesday, May 20, they've cleared the kitchen to resume normal operations.

Published: May 14, 2025

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Public Schools officials have a week to address evidence of mice at Pulaski High School. 

This order from the Department of Neighborhood services came Tuesday, May 13, citing "conditions that violate the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances." 

"We can’t speak to any number exactly, but there was clear evidence of an infestation, warranting the violation order from DNS."

The school now has one week to exterminate the mice, providing proof that a professional pest control company treated the school, specifically exterior doors. 

The inspection order also details holes in walls in the kitchen, kitchen closet, and throughout the school. 

A parent who wants to remain anonymous shared photos and said mice could be seen running across desks, disrupting learning. They estimate there are "several, possibly 100 mice." 

They've reportedly called the Milwaukee Health Department and voiced concerns to the school for a month now. They expressed disappointment in how long it took to take action and cite worry about possible health issues that could arise. 

The Milwaukee Health Department says rodent droppings were found in the main kitchen, dry storage area, near the serving line, behind the cooler unit, and in the employee break room. Inspectors also found a dead mouse on a sticky trap.

In an email chain from administrators at Pulaski High School, sent to CBS58 anonymously, an administrator wrote "the mice are taking over," urging teachers and students to clean up after themselves, offering mouse traps for classrooms.

The health department says they have not yet classified the situation as an infestation. They are working with the Department of Neighborhood Services and MPS on next steps. The health department says pests being in food service settings is concerning, as they can spread disease and contaminate food.

On Wednesday, MPS provided pre-packaged breakfast kits to students and will provide lunch prepared off-site. MPS was ordered to provide a written action plan detailing how they'll implement effective pest control by the end of May 14. 

Milwaukee Public Schools issued this statement: 

“Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is working closely with the Milwaukee Health Department (MHD), staff, and outside vendors to ensure that all measures are being taken to resolve a pest issue identified at Pulaski High School. The Health Department has found no evidence of food being contaminated and the site does not require closure.

MPS was notified of this issue yesterday and took immediate action to address it, working closely with the Milwaukee Health Department and utilizing licensed personnel to perform eradication measures.

This facility at Pulaski High School is one of the district’s smallest food preparation sites. All food preparation areas are washed and sanitized daily and all meals prepared at this location are heat-sealed and stored in a refrigerator or freezer.

The district uses quality control measures, ensuring that if any food were ever identified as being compromised it would be destroyed.”