Congratulations to these WHS students on selection to the 12A State Honor Band!
Dear Parents,
I want to address the recent concerns at WGS with full transparency and take full responsibility for the decisions I made. Your children deserve my very best, and in this situation, I let them down. I did not knowingly put students or staff in harm’s way, but looking back, I realize there were many more questions I should have asked and precautions I should have taken. I regret not doing so, and I understand that I have betrayed your trust in me to keep your children safe.
We are taking immediate steps to address the issues and prevent future concerns. First and foremost, the building has been thoroughly inspected by both Modern Air and the fire department, and there is 0ppm of Carbon Monoxide present in the building. We will continue to monitor air quality to ensure a safe environment for students and staff.
Below are some commonly asked questions and our plans moving forward:
1. If the smell was noticeable, why were carbon monoxide detectors only installed afterward?
I installed carbon monoxide detectors because I did not want teachers to worry. These detectors have digital readouts so staff can monitor them at any time. While CO detectors are not required by code, I will be getting quotes to integrate a full carbon monoxide detection system into our fire alarm system, ensuring that if CO is ever detected, the entire building will be immediately alerted.
2. Isn’t carbon monoxide odorless?
Yes, carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. This is why we did not originally suspect it as the source of the smell.
3. What is the source of the smell?
That is what we are still trying to determine. The smell appears inconsistently and has been difficult to trace. We suspect condensation between the metal roof and the old concrete roof could be contributing. A restoration company is coming to dehumidify the area and vent out the trapped air. Additionally, we are seeking a building engineer to assist in identifying the source. Regardless of whether the trapped moisture is the cause, it needs to be addressed.
4. If the issue was “resolved” on the 30th, why was there still an odor and a 400 ppm CO reading on the 31st?
Carbon monoxide is odorless, so we do not believe it was the cause of the smell. The blocked vent was discovered while investigating the odor, and while it was quickly cleared, we still do not know if CO was ever present at dangerous levels before that point. I should have been clearer in my communication—I now realize that saying the issue was “resolved” was misleading. The vent blockage was removed, but we are still working to determine the source of the smell and ensure all safety measures are in place.
5. What is being done to ensure the boiler vent does not become blocked again?
• The vent area has been completely cleared of all obstructions, including stored items and wooden boards.
• We are installing a new vent in the ceiling or north wall to prevent future blockages.
• The current vent placement is flawed—it is too low and at risk of being blocked by snow drifts or stored materials. The new vent will eliminate this risk.
6. How will the boiler room be kept clean and clear of debris?
• Staff have been instructed not to store anything near the boiler.
• We will be posting Warning stating that, by order of the fire marshal, the area must remain clear within six feet of the boiler.
• We will conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance.
Moving Forward
I am fully accountable for what happened, and I am committed to making things right. I should have asked more questions and acted sooner to address the concerns. While I did not intentionally put anyone at risk, I recognize that my lack of thorough questioning and investigation led to an unsafe situation.
Please know that we are making permanent improvements to our building’s safety measures and ventilation. If you have any questions or concerns, I encourage you to reach out. Your children’s safety is my highest priority, and I will work tirelessly to rebuild your trust.
Sincerely,
Duane Ford, Ed.S.
Superintendent, USD 243
Reminder-Forms for Rec Softball, Baseball and Tball are due this Wednesday! There is a $5 late fee for forms submitted after the deadline. Thank you!
Congratulations to all our WHS FBLA members on their outstanding performance at Districts!
#itsagreatdaytobeabulldog!
Dear Parents,
We want to reassure you that the WGS building has been fully inspected by certified professionals multiple times, including the boiler, hot water heater, and flue. No harmful substances have been found, and the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. For added reassurance, we have also installed digital carbon monoxide detectors in the boiler room and classrooms.
We appreciate your trust and support and are always here to address any questions or concerns.
Thank you for being part of our school community.
USD 243 Administration
Congratulations to all our WJH students on their success at FBLA Districts!
PAWS-itive Shoutout!
We’re celebrating our latest PAWS winners who have shown what it means to Perform their best, be Accountable, make Wise choices, and Show respect!
✨ Congratulations to: Luka, Levi, Tylora, Hudson, Kyler, William M., Edwin, Samuel C., Kamryn, Paizlee, Audrey, Otis, April, Layla, Bentley C., and Kelsie!
We’re so proud of you for leading by example and making Waverly Grade School a great place to learn and grow! Keep up the amazing work!
#PAWSomeStudents #BullpupsLeadTheWay #ItsAGreatDayToBeABulldog
Our Lady Bulldogs finished 3rd at the LCL Tournament today in Emporia with a hard fought 32-30 finish over Madison.
Waverly Grade School currently has a job opening for a special education paraprofessional. If interested, please apply using this link through USD244. Thanks!
https://family.usd244ks.org/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsFin/rappljoblst0502.w?isPopup=true
🌟 Door of Distinction 🌟
This student is a dedicated hard worker, always ready to take on any challenge and give his best effort. No task is too big for him!
Keep up the great work, Bentley! 💪👏🚀
🌟 Door of Distinction 🌟
This student is incredibly thoughtful, showing kindness and concern for others every single day. She goes out of her way to help those around her—including her teacher! Her compassion and willingness to lend a hand make a difference in the classroom.
Keep being amazing, Ryleigh! 💖👏😊
🌟 Door of Distinction 🌟
This student has been working incredibly hard over the past few months, making great strides in both math and reading. His dedication and effort are evident in everything he does. Keep up the fantastic work!
Way to go, Weston B.! 🎉📚✏️
Subject: Facility Update – Boiler Room Ventilation Resolved
Dear Parents,
I want to inform you about a ventilation issue that was discovered and promptly addressed on January 30, 2025, in the boiler room at Waverly Grade School.
Yesterday morning, staff noticed an unusual odor when entering the building. This prompted an immediate inspection as is usual protocol to keep our kids and staff safe. A professional technician determined that vents in the boiler room were obstructed, restricting proper airflow. The issue was quickly resolved, restoring normal ventilation.
As part of our commitment to student and staff safety, we have taken additional precautionary measures, including installing carbon monoxide detectors in the boiler room, office, and all classrooms. These devices will provide continuous monitoring to ensure a safe environment.
We appreciate your trust and support as we continue to prioritize the well-being of our students and staff. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.
Sincerely,
Duane Ford
Superintendent
The LCL Art Show is in the lobby of the William L White Auditorium until the end of the LCL basketball tournament. Awards will be presented before the girl's championship game. Stop in and check out some outstanding artwork!
We hosted the first Quiz Bowl Meet of the season for JH today. Our Varsity team finished in 2nd place, and our JV team earned first place! So proud of these students!
Forty-three FBLA students from WHS and WJH competed today at Washburn University. They did a wonderful job representing our school! #itsagreatdaytobeabulldog!
These students attended the County Spelling Bee in Burlington. Adalynn earned second place!!
Join us Monday, February 3rd for an all out NERF BATTLE!!
Open to the public to come and watch the fun!
WHS and WJH FBLA students are off to compete at the District VII conference. Good luck to all our students!
#itsagreatdaytobeabulldog!
