Sara P. McDonald

Sara lived in Wichita for over 70 years. A graduate of Southeast high school, Friends University and Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia. In 1967, she began her teaching career in Goddard, Ks. Primarily teaching middle level math and technology. She taught there for 39 years, retiring in 2006. She was elected to the Board of Education in 2007 and served on the board for 16 years.

Sara’s educational philosophy was to teach the students to work “smarter, not harder.” She wanted them to be problem solvers. She believed there are two things that make you feel your career as a teacher was worthwhile. The first, to see your student's graduate, especially if they have struggled and the second, is for your students to know they can be successful. She belonged to the National, Kansas and Goddard Education Associations. Serving as President and head negotiator for the GEA for many years. She received numerous awards including GEA young teacher of the year and master teacher. She is a namesake for the Goddard School District Legacy Award. Her education accomplishments were honored when she was inducted into the Goddard Public School District Hall of Fame in 2022.

Sara loved fiber arts and was an accomplished spinner, weaver and knitter, winning merit awards from a judged show at The Wichita Art Museum. Always a teacher, she enjoyed introducing Goddard 1st graders to spinning. She was also a member of the service organization, The Goddard Women's Club.

Survivors include: “Adopted” sisters, Ruth Wood, Susan Lee, Sue Bowden, Janice Dennis and Gwen Ward. Her beloved dogs, Izzie and Gracie. Her friends, colleagues and students from the Goddard School Community.

Predeceased by: Father, Paul McDonald, Mother, Isabella King McDonald, and Sisters, MaryAnn Thompson and Susie McDonald

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Antioch Christian Church, 3741 W 15th St N, Wichita, KS 67203.

A memorial has been established in Sara's honor with Goddard Education Foundation, 201 S Main St, Goddard, KS 67052.