Dear Mapleton Families,

This message provides an update regarding the evacuation of Mapleton Middle School and Mapleton High School on Friday, August 29, 2025, following student illnesses that occurred on campus.

First and foremost, the safety and well-being of our nearly 1,000 students and staff on campus that day was our highest priority. District staff and administration followed our Emergency Operations Plan, which included evacuating both buildings, accounting for every student and staff member, and beginning the reunification process. Our thoughts and prayers are with the students and families who were directly affected by this incident.

Our response unfolded on two levels. Internally, Mapleton staff implemented emergency protocols for evacuation due to what appeared to be potential environmental contaminants.   During this time, three Mapleton Middle School students experienced symptoms including headache, nausea, and dizziness spread out over a thirty minute period of time. The accounting of students and staff at the safe location was complicated due to the fact that Mapleton High School students were at lunch during the evacuation and not in a regular classroom setting, but the necessary adjustments were made and communicated during the evacuation.  After the building evacuations, another 30 students experienced varying symptoms and conditions that required medical attention. Externally, we immediately partnered with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office and the Nankin/Orange Township Fire Department. A multi-county response quickly followed, including the Ashland County Emergency Management Agency, Ashland County Health Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Polk Jackson Perry Fire Department, Savannah Fire Department, Ashland City Fire Department, and Firelands Ambulance Service. A complete list of agencies will be compiled following a formal debrief and review of the incident in the coming weeks.

We recognize the frustrations some families experienced during this incident, especially related to communication. Although several factors contributed to these challenges, we understand how difficult it was for families who were seeking timely and accurate information. Moving forward, we are committed to reviewing our protocols and procedures, particularly those connected to communication, timeliness, and overall response, to identify areas for improvement and strengthen how we handle emergency situations. Our priority is to ensure families remain informed and supported whenever a critical situation occurs.

Following the evacuation, multiple agencies conducted extensive inspections and testing to identify any possible source of the illnesses. The Nankin/Orange Township Fire Department conducted a sweep of the building to detect any gas or carbon monoxide issues, and Columbia Gas completed additional testing for a potential gas leak. The Rural Lorain County Water Authority collected water samples to be analyzed. The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office inspected the building for potential chemical contamination while also investigating possible commonalities among the affected students, including, but not limited to food, water, air, building location, and transportation. Although some results have come back negative, inconclusive, or remain unknown at this time, we are committed to finding the root cause of the illnesses.

We understand that some parents, students and staff may feel apprehensive about returning to campus on Tuesday. Please know that we share those concerns and take them seriously. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remains our highest priority, and no building will reopen unless it is cleared to be safe by the appropriate agencies. We remain committed to determining whether there is a specific root cause to the illnesses and will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.  A team of individuals from multiple agencies will inspect, test and monitor the building on Monday, September 1, 2025.  The results of this inspection will determine next steps and whether the buildings will be open on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.  Another update will be sent out on Monday to provide additional information.

Two years ago, the Mapleton Local School District conducted a safety drill that simulated a very similar scenario: a gas leak in a high school science lab. That drill emphasized evacuation, the accounting for all Mapleton Middle School and Mapleton High School students and staff at the safe location, and reunification, while Mapleton Elementary School practiced sheltering in place. On Friday, those same preparedness measures were put into action. Students and staff responded calmly and appropriately, adjusting as needed while significant challenges arose throughout the day. We are proud of how our students and staff handled this event with resilience and composure. We are equally grateful to our families, community, and the many law enforcement officers and first responders who acted swiftly and professionally to ensure the safety of everyone involved.