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Lane Widner Courtesy Photo
GRANTS, NM - Lane Widner, who was the principal of Grants High School for five years, was named the new superintendent of Grants Cibola County Schools at the school board meeting on May 23, at 6 p.m. Widner stated that he is excited to get to work and he wants to do a good job for the community.
Lane Widner has been certified since 2012 to be a superintendent after completing a two-year internship from 2010 to 2012. Widner stated, “I really wanted to be a superintendent while I was going through that, and then I thought no, no, I wanted to stick with being a principal. I like working with kids.” Widner says he loves the Grants community and Cibola County, as well as the schools here.
Widner first began thinking about applying for the superintendent position in March after Max Perez resigned as superintendent for GCCS. Widner stated, “When our superintendent said that he was resigning in March, I thought, ‘you know, that’s a good way to give back to my community.’” When asked what the process was like applying for the superintendent position, Widner said, “It was a lengthy process, we applied in April. We had to do some writing assignments and kind of analyze the strategic plan of the district, they narrowed it down to four finalists, and we had our interviews on May 23.” Widner said the interview was challenging due to the fact that they had to go through so many people during the interview. There were about 65 stakeholders involved in the interview process. Widner stated, “It was a neat process, challenging, but a neat process.”
Widner has said that he has a lot of experience in schools as well as a lot of training for being a superintendent. Widner also has a master’s degree as well. When asked if he felt confident during the interview process, he stated, “No, I think you always have to be nervous, it was a big job, and it was a job that I really wanted… I was very excited when they offered it to me.”
Widner spoke about the first steps he wants to take as superintendent, “In education, you usually go 90 days, I really need to figure out what our strengths are, what our strengths are in the schools, who are our movers and shakers in the schools, kind of know the strengths of the principals and the leaders… I’m going to try to learn as much as I can in the first semester… Figure out where we are at.” When asked what he most wants to work on, he said, “I would like to see our kids be academically successful; be competitive… I want our [students] to do well. So, we want to make sure they are academically prepared for college; they are ready for trade school; they have a goal; they are taking dual credit classes. I want to make sure our kids are on the track to success.” Widner also wants to see students come back to Grants to be a part of the community.
Widner spoke about being involved in the school district, “I think a lot of parents have worked with me and have known me. A lot of our community stakeholders have seen me in the community, and that will continue. You’ll see me at all events. If there is something going on at Bluewater Elementary, I will be there, you’ll see me on the campuses. I want parents to know that I am still as approachable, they can come see me if they have issues or problems, definitely let me know how I can help them, and help with their kids and each child’s education.” Widner says he is ready to get to work for GCCS.
The Cibola County School district is currently looking for a principal at GHS to fill the role Widner left. Those interested in the position you can apply online at the following website: https://www.gccs.k12.nm. us/page/human-resources-