Mapleton Schools Cleared to Reopen After Student Illness Scare

September 1, 2025 | Ashland County, Ohio

Classes will resume Tuesday, September 2, at Mapleton Local Schools after an intensive multi-agency investigation cleared the campus for safe occupancy. The decision comes just days after a mass illness prompted the evacuation of both Mapleton Middle and High Schools on Friday, August 29.

Incident Recap

On Friday morning, more than 40 students reported sudden symptoms including dizziness, lightheadedness, tingling in their extremities, coughing, and nausea. Emergency crews from across Ashland County and beyond responded, with 43 students ultimately transported to seven different hospitals in five counties. No staff members were affected, and no life-threatening conditions have been reported.

The scale of the incident prompted immediate concern that students might have been exposed to carbon monoxide, water contamination, or other environmental hazards. The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office quickly launched a comprehensive investigation alongside local fire districts, utility providers, and public health officials.

Findings So Far

On Monday, Ashland County Sheriff Kurt J. Schneider released an update detailing the results of several days of testing and fact-finding:

• Carbon monoxide ruled out: Columbia Gas tested the school building on the day of the incident and again on Monday, finding no abnormal levels or malfunctioning appliances.

• Water supply clean: Rural Lorain County Water Authority reported no contamination in school water samples, with chlorine levels within normal range.

• No drug toxicity: A coordinating physician at University Hospital Ashland confirmed preliminary medical findings showed no evidence of drug-related illness among students.

• No coordinated activity: Detectives from five county sheriff’s offices and Ashland police interviewed students and reviewed surveillance video. They found no patterns of personal contact, suspicious behavior, or evidence of an intruder.

• No hazardous maintenance or deliveries: Staff confirmed no gas appliance work, chemical deliveries, or unusual maintenance occurred on August 29.

• Protective sweep clear: A thorough search of the building by deputies and school staff found no foreign objects or devices.

Schools Reopen Tuesday

Superintendent Scott Smith assured parents that all buildings have been cleared for normal operations.

“With this confirmation, classes will resume for all Mapleton students tomorrow, Tuesday, September 2, 2025,” Smith said. “We understand that recent events may have caused concern for students, parents, and staff. Please know that the safety and well-being of our Mapleton community remains our highest priority.”

Sheriff Schneider echoed that reassurance while stressing the investigation remains active.

“These types of investigations are complex and can take extended periods of time to comb through data and information,” Schneider said. “Once all of the data has been evaluated, we will provide a detailed analysis of our findings. I reiterate to the public that the building is safe and there’s no supporting evidence suggesting otherwise.”

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities emphasize that while the school campus is safe, they are still working to determine what caused the sudden onset of symptoms among students. The Ashland County Health Department epidemiologist may contact parents for additional medical information as part of the inquiry.

Community members with information related to the incident are asked to call the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office at (419) 289-3911.