Just a few days after storms caused significant damage to the campus of WACO Junior-Senior High School, the Wayland community has joined up with the district’s students and staff to begin cleaning up the damage. 

Members of the community convened at WACO Junior-Senior High School Thursday morning, helping out by cleaning up debris from Roth Field and helping carry debris left behind by the downed press box. Students and staff were also allowed to assist in the cleanup effort during the school day.

WACO Superintendent Spencer Lueders applauds the level of support shown Thursday, “It’s simply amazing. I don’t know if there’s any other way to describe it. I mean, it’s something that attracted me to this district in the first place, and the amount of community support, and it’s really showcased today. In times of need and crisis, typically banding together does happen, but to this extent is pretty incredible.”

Lueders also says the level of effort shown from the student body speaks volumes, “Whether it’s in the classroom, on the field, or even in their work environments at home, they’re not afraid to put the work in, and I know this wasn’t even an ask for them. They wanted to come in, even yesterday, and start the cleanup process. So, we wanted to provide them the opportunity today to do that. And it’s something they’re always going to remember.”

Lueders says the district will continue to assess the situation, including replacing the press box at Roth Field and repairing roofing damage to the agri-science center and main building. 

More storms are in the forecast for southeast Iowa for Friday and Saturday. Listen to KCII for weather updates.