Grants/Cibola County Schools has created a new superintendent’s contract for Superintendent Lane Widner’s second term. This contact will be effective starting July 1, 2025 and will end on June 30, 2026. According to the contract he must “be consistent with a two hundred forty-eight-day (240) day annual contract for each school year.” [sic.]
Salary & Benefits
Widner’s salary is a four percent increase from his previous year, equaling an annual pay of $153,000.00.
This contract has allowed various benefits, such as the superintendent being permitted to use the school vehicle- only for official business or school district-sponsored events. The school district will provide a cell phone, which must only be used for school district business, however, if this phone is incidentally used for personal use, the board will allow it.
Additionally, Widner will be able to use to school district’s laptop and tablet solely for official duties.
Widner will be entitled to all the health care, benefits, and insurance that the other employees of the school district receive.
Widner has been granted permission to take writing, teaching, or speaking engagement activities if they will not interfere with his performance or duties.
Widner will also be entitled to a reimbursement for membership to AASA, NMASSP, NIEA, ASCD, or memberships in the New Mexico coalitions that does not exceed $750.
Leave
The contract states that 15 working days per year can be used for leave. The leave days that are unused can be added to the next year, but will not be allowed to exceed 45 days. If this agreement is terminated or cancelled, no payments for unused annual leave will be made for over 30 days.
The amount of sick leave allowed is no more than 12 work days per year. If the contract is terminated or cancelled, no payment for unused sick leave will be made.
According to the contract, Superintendent Widner will be allowed 5 days of professional leave per school year.
Duties
The contract states the various duties required of the superintendent. These duties include the following: Providing support and ensuring accountability for effective teaching and school leadership.
Helping the Board of Education build a positive working relationship and clearly understand the expectations and evidence needed to show progress in student performance and other related services that support the school district.
Managing the instructional and student services functions, along with other responsibilities of the school district. Assisting the Board of Education in creating processes and criteria to evaluate progress according to their expectations in education and program development.
Supporting the Board in developing a fair distribution of the school district’s resources to meet student needs and achieve district goals.
Occasionally overseeing the review of Board of Education policies.
Helping the Board advocate for legislation at the state and federal levels. Establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other government agencies, communities, and tribal organizations.
Enhancing and documenting the professional development of faculty and staff, including evaluating all employees.
Reviewing the performance of administrative staff who report directly to the superintendent at least once a year, following the Board’s policies and procedures.
Managing school district properties and contracts allowed by policy and instructed by the Board.
Preparing lawful notices and agendas for Board meetings and participate in all Board sessions. Creating an annual budget for the Board to review, ensuring it meets the needs and goals of the school district.
Collaborate in developing and implementing the strategic plan, including key performance indicators, while supporting the Board in achieving its objectives.
Enhance the district’s learning plan and professional learning communities, working to connect learning to various students through a culturally responsive approach, strengthen students' socioemotional skills, and perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Education.