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Gary Widders
About
Gary Widders is a Republican candidate who filed for Utah State Board of Education District 4 in the 2026 election. He is described as a perennial candidate and was eliminated at the Republican convention on April 25, 2026, with incumbent LeAnn Wood advancing. He has a background including a Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude from Excelsior University, multiple associate degrees, over 20 years in leadership and volunteerism, and prior runs for local school board and city council positions.
Where they stand
Hire teachers and lower taxes
Priority to hire teachers and lower taxes.
Lower education spending and increase efficiencies
State Superintendent to lead efforts to lower costs, eliminate unnecessary spending, and increase efficiencies; lower board review threshold for expenditures from $100,000 to $5,000 with immediate notification.
Truancy policy
Amend state law so that if two or more students skip class together they immediately receive out-of-school suspension.
Cell phone policy
One policy requiring students to place phones or similar devices in airplane mode or turn off and stow out of sight during class time from bell-to-bell.
Recess and instruction time
Recess does not count as instruction time; students must receive appropriate class time.
Curriculum
Mandatory U.S. Civics curriculum and improved age-appropriate anti-drug messaging for all grades.
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