Two families in Long Grove have raised alarms over potential health hazards at Woodlawn Middle School, alleging that their children developed serious symptoms due to mold exposure. Scarlett Strezewski and Isaac Lee experienced dizziness, headaches, and other issues while attending the school. Medical evaluations revealed elevated levels of mycotoxins in both students' blood and urine. Despite these findings, the Kildeer Countryside Community Consolidated School District 96 maintains that its facilities are safe based on independent testing. However, the controversy has sparked demands for further investigation into air quality within the school.

A young student named Scarlett began noticing unusual physical reactions during her time at Woodlawn Middle School. These included intense dizziness and persistent headaches, which significantly impacted her daily life. Her father, John Strezewski, described how his daughter's condition worsened over time, eventually leading them to seek medical advice. Tests confirmed Scarlett suffered from mold toxicity caused by exposure to harmful substances known as mycotoxins. According to the World Health Organization, such toxins originate from specific types of mold and can lead to various health complications.

Scarlett’s situation prompted her family to pursue alternative educational arrangements. After receiving a doctor's recommendation excusing her from physical attendance at school, she transitioned to home-based learning under supervision. Although this arrangement provided temporary relief, transferring to another institution proved challenging. The school district denied their request after a lengthy process, compelling the Strezewskis to enroll Scarlett in a private school where her symptoms ceased entirely.

Another family came forward with similar experiences involving their son, Isaac Lee. During his tenure at Woodlawn Middle School, Isaac exhibited symptoms akin to those reported by Scarlett. Subsequent testing also indicated mycotoxin exposure in his case. Motivated by shared concerns, both families collaborated to investigate the source of contamination. They independently conducted tests using samples collected from an air vent at the school, revealing elevated levels of mycotoxins consistent with the toxins detected in the children's systems.

Despite these alarming discoveries, the school district insists there is no cause for concern regarding mold growth within its premises. Their own assessments reportedly concluded that mold was not an issue. Nevertheless, experts consulted by NBC Chicago pointed out discrepancies between the district's testing methods and those used by the concerned families. Specifically, the district's tests focused solely on mold presence rather than addressing potentially hazardous mycotoxins.

Moving forward, stakeholders anticipate further discussions surrounding these allegations. A forthcoming Board of Education meeting will feature presentations from third-party specialists addressing environmental conditions at Woodlawn Middle School. Meanwhile, affected families continue advocating for comprehensive investigations aimed at safeguarding student health. They emphasize the importance of community collaboration in driving meaningful change toward ensuring safer learning environments.