Celebrating Women’s History: Wilma McManus

In honor of Women’s History Month, we recognize the trailblazing women whose legacies continue to shape our Waukee CSD community. Wilma McManus became the first female principal in the District, serving as the elementary (K-6) principal of Waukee Consolidated School from 1966 until her retirement in 1977.

Wilma’s six-decade career in education saw the full evolution of the public school system in Iowa. She began her career teaching in a one-room rural schoolhouse in 1935 after earning her teaching certificate from the Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa).

In December 1942, Wilma married Ray McManus. While her husband was overseas during the war, Wilma lived with her parents and taught sixth, seventh and eighth grades.

Photo of Wilma McManus in the 1971 yearbook

Wilma took a break from teaching when her daughter was born, but returned after her husband died in 1950. Wilma later earned her bachelor’s degree from Drake University, taking classes on Sundays and in the summers to balance her studies with her teaching duties.

In 1955, Wilma became Dallas County Supervisor of Elementary Instruction, a role that saw her overseeing rural schools, evaluating teachers, and administering the eighth-grade exit exam. She also operated a bookmobile to bring books to students in rural schools, many of which had no libraries.

In 1966, Wilma was appointed the first-ever elementary principal of the growing Waukee Consolidated School District by then-Superintendent Clair Eason, after whom Eason Elementary is named.

Her leadership extended beyond Waukee, as she was also a charter member of the Dallas County chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international sorority for female educators dedicated to advancing the careers of women in education.

Wilma McManus at her retirement reception.

Upon her retirement, the 1977 Waukee CSD yearbook was dedicated to her, featuring a quote from Emanuel Swedenborg that read: “True charity is the desire to be useful to others without thought of recompense.”

Wilma passed away in 2016 at the age of 102, but her contributions continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps. We honor Wilma’s role in our District’s history and her lifelong commitment to making a difference in the lives of students.