Hartford University School for Urban Exploration, located at 2227 E. Hartford Ave and right in the middle of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus, may be better off as a UWM facility, at least according to Wisconsin Rep. Fred Kessler, (D-Milwaukee).

Kessler, who represents the 12th assembly district, believes that it makes “economic sense” to use the Hartford University building as a UWM facility. He says it would be more logical to send those particular Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) students to a different location, citing the empty Juneau High School location as a possibility.

Hartford University School was established in 1917 and has since remained its own entity despite UWM annexing many other area properties throughout the years. In addition to its fight to exist inside a college campus, Hartford has improved upon its former reputation as a dangerous place and a harsh environment.

In the last decade, the school has changed dramatically and is now considered by the district to be a high performing school. According to the MPS website, the K-8 school focuses on “college preparation, enrichment through the arts, and the development of a sense of social justice.”

Roseann St. Aubin, Communications Director for MPS, pointed out that Hartford University School shares faculty, staff, and resources with UWM. Elementary and middle school students have full access to UWM tutors, film instructors, and architects, as well as the use of facilities like the Golda Meir library, art studios, and the planetarium.

After speaking with both the MPS financial department and Cynthia Ellwood, principal of Hartford University, St. Aubin stated that no official proposal has been presented involving the “rumor or idea” of the school being purchased by UWM.

“We have not been presented with any information, nor have we been involved in any discussions,” St. Aubin said.

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