After nearly three decades as an educator in Widefield School District 3, Superintendent Kevin Duren is calling it a career.

Duren, a 1987 Widefield High School graduate who assumed leadership of the district in 2021, made the announcement Wednesday in a message to WSD3 families.

“It is with mixed emotions that I share some personal news with you today. After much reflection, I have made the decision to retire from my position as Superintendent of Widefield School District 3, effective June 28, 2024,” Duren, 54, stated.

“The decision to retire was not made lightly, but with gentle nudging from family and loved ones. I believe it is the right time for me to step into a new chapter of my life.”

The retiring superintendent is a true Widefield product. In addition to being a Widefield High School graduate, Duren attended the district’s King Elementary and Janitell Junior High.

After serving in the Air Force Reserve, Duren began his teaching career as a math and science teacher in Adams County School District 50. In 1995 he returned to the district where he grew up, teaching math and computer programming at Janitell Junior High and Widefield High School before serving as the assistant principal of Mesa Ridge High School.

He went on to serve as the assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Widefield High School before being promoted to principal.

Duren’s tenure as Widefield superintendent began at a critical time for the district, as teachers, students and families were still recovering from the havoc, uncertainty and learning loss wrought by the pandemic.

Not long after he assumed leadership, Duren oversaw the launch of the district’s Summer Engagement Academy, an enrichment-based program designed to help combat the learning loss and get kids excited about returning to the classroom.

Duren also presided over several renovations and upgrades within the district, including a remodel of Webster Elementary School and the addition of the Widefield Parks and Recreation center, a 65,000-square-foot facility located just down the road from Widefield Elementary School.

The district will begin the process of selecting a new superintendent in the coming weeks, Duren stated.

“I have full confidence that the transition will be smooth, and the district will continue to thrive under new leadership,” Duren said Wednesday.

“Our new superintendent will definitely have some big shoes to fill,” said district spokeswoman Samantha Briggs. “He’s so beloved by the community, and he’s been a big part of it for a long time.”

Duren said he intends to continue serving the district right up until his final day.

“Although June will be here soon, we are not there yet,” he said. “There are still many challenges and opportunities ahead, and work to be done.”  

“Student success is the cornerstone of our mission. We have many days left and miles to go on the journey through the second semester for our students to reach their full potential for the year.”

Kevin Duren