FOCUSED ON STUDENTS
Ruth Wood believes in prioritizing key issues that put students first in our community, addressing critical areas for improvement.
Advocacy
For Every Student
Ruth advocates for policies that enhance student learning experiences, ensuring each child's unique needs are met with compassion and understanding.
Community
Stronger Together
Engaging with families and staff is essential; Ruth's mission is to bring the community together in support of our schools' goals.
Innovation
Future-Forward Thinking
Ruth promotes innovative teaching methods and resources that equip students with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
A VISION FOR EDUCATION
Ruth Wood is dedicated to advocating for all students within the Goddard Public Schools district. With over 50 years of dedication to education, she brings extensive experience to the Board of Education.
Ruth’s story with the Goddard School District began in the fall of 1972, when she was hired as the first girls’ physical education teacher at the junior high school. She also taught 7th grade geography and supervised a study hall. Ruth recalls that she initially intended to teach just a couple of years in Goddard and then seek a teaching position in the larger Wichita District. “I did not know that I would fall in love with the district, its students, staff and community.”
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Ruth soon added coaching track to her schedule, becoming the district’s first women’s coach at the junior high level. Title IX provisions would open the door for volleyball and basketball programs. With a national certification as a volleyball official, Ruth officiated KSHSAA state championship games. Through the years Ruth worked as a scorekeeper for many district athletic events. She also served as a cheerleading and pep club sponsor. Later in her career, Ruth would accept more responsibility as the K-12 physical education department head. She is known for mentoring other young teachers as they entered the education field. Ruth continues to encourage new teachers to “get to know your students and learn about their interests.” She regularly attended her students’ extracurricular events, knowing that it would be meaningful for them to see their teacher in attendance as a supporter.
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For her excellence in education, Ruth was honored as the Goddard Education Association Young Teacher of the Year in 1974 and the Goddard Education Association Master Teacher of the Year in 1996.
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During Ruth’s tenure in Goddard, she became an active member of the Goddard Education Association (GEA) assuming numerous leadership roles, including building representative, secretary, treasurer, vice president and president. Ruth was instrumental in developing the first Interest Based Bargaining (IBB) negotiations team for the district. This collaborative approach to bargaining continues in the district today. Ruth has uniquely served on IBB teams from their distinct positions as GEA representatives and later as Board of Education representatives.
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A lifelong learner, Ruth completed a Master of Arts in Education from Wichita State in 1977, and a Master of Arts in K-12 school administration in 1999, earning the highest academic honors for both degrees. She added a district administration certification in 2000, and transitioned from the classroom to administration as the associate principal of the 4th through 6th grades’ Intermediate Learning Center. In 2001, Ruth served as the first principal of the Discovery Intermediate Center, and in 2004, she accepted the position of principal at Clark Davidson Elementary School.
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Ruth retired in 2011 after 39 years of dedicated service to Goddard Public Schools. In retirement she continued to be an active volunteer for the district, helping at track meets and working games. In 2013, Ruth took servant leadership to the next level by running for office and serving on the Goddard Board of Education. She continues to be a valuable member of the board, having the unique perspective from experience as both a classroom teacher and an administrator.
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Ruth is respected for carefully weighing issues and making thoughtful decisions in the best interest of students and staff. In 2021, Ruth was re-elected for a third term, which will culminate in twelve years of service on the board. She has served in the highest leadership roles as the board vice president and president.
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In 2015, Ruth was inducted into the James B. McGee Memorial Honor Ring by middle school students. This tribute holds special significance in honor of Principal James McGee, who died in a fatal school shooting in January, 1985. The bell tower, built by students, features a “Victory Bell” that students ring to celebrate a team win or a special occasion. Ruth would share this meaningful honor with Sara McDonald. Both would receive a plaque that reads, “Teacher, Mentor, GEA, BOE, and Friend.”
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With accomplished careers and a lifetime of service, Ruth Wood and Sara McDonald were honored again together in 2017 as namesakes for the Goddard District Legacy Award.
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