The Cheektowaga Central School District (CSD) named Laurie Widman to the position of Business Administrator. Her new role with the district began on Oct. 4. Widman will be responsible for running the Business Office and will work alongside Superintendent Steven Wright and Assistant Superintendent Scott Zipp to prepare the annual budget. 

Widman comes to Cheektowaga CSD from the Cortland and Oriskany School Districts where she worked as the Business Administrator, and was the Treasurer for the Oneida Herkimer Madison Association of School Business Officials. Before that, she worked in the North Tonawanda School District as a Building Administrator, Business Teacher, Department Coordinator, DECA Advisor, School Store Advisor, Academy of Business and Finance Director, and Community Service Coordinator. She was also an adjunct professor in the Business Department at Niagara University and Niagara County Community College. 

In her previous roles, she worked on many initiatives over the years that focused on student achievement and well-being, as well as the implementation of many technological advancements, including computerized assessments, online purchasing, and self-monitored HR systems. In addition, Widman worked with students on many community events and traveled to DECA competitions throughout the USA.

She earned a Bachelor's degree from SUNY Empire State in Accounting, a Master's degree from D'Youville in Education, and a Master's degree from SUNY at Buffalo in Educational Administration. She also holds certificates of advanced study as a School District Business Leader, a School District Leader, and a School Building Leader from SUNY at Buffalo. 

Widman has strong ties to the Cheektowaga area. She grew up in Cheektowaga and ran the Cheektowaga Little Loop concession for many years. Her husband is a graduate of Cheektowaga CSD. When asked, Widman said “I'm excited to join the Cheektowaga CSD Warrior community and am looking forward to working with the administration to continue our legacy of excellence.”