Board confirms Glenn Widmer as DVS principal for 2026–27 school year

The Great Salt Bay CSD school board voted to appoint Glenn Widmer as principal of DVS for the 2026–2027 school year following a hiring committee recommendation and a roll-call confirmation.

The hiring committee — including Becky Cooper — recommended Widmer based on more than 30 years in education, a track record of grant writing and school improvement, and advanced degrees. In a written statement read to the board, Widmer said he was ‘‘excited to become the principal of the Bristol Consolidated School and a part of the John B. Schools.’’ The statement added that he planned to attend the next board meeting on May 7.

Committee members noted Widmer’s academic credentials and leadership background: a BA in American Studies, an MA in education, a certificate of advanced study in educational leadership, and a doctorate of education completed in 2022. The committee cited his work on math instruction and examples of raising a prior school’s state report-card rating as part of the rationale for endorsement.

Widmer framed his approach to school leadership as collaborative, saying, "Although my goal has never been specifically to increase scores, I have found that the approach of fostering a welcoming safe space for students and staff ... has positive outcomes in numerous ways, one being improved student performance." The board accepted his nomination and confirmed him by roll call.

The nomination was presented as correspondence and included a written statement from Widmer because he was unable to attend in person. The board did not discuss a contract start date beyond the statement that the appointment is for the 2026–2027 school year.

The board moved on to other agenda items after the confirmation; Widmer is scheduled to appear at the board’s May meeting, according to the statement the board read aloud.