'It means everything to me': Sidney HS Principal fulfills promise to parents with new job

SIDNEY, NE — One of Sidney’s administrators is staying in the panhandle, but taking the next step in his career.

Sidney High School Principal Chris Arent is set to become the new Superintendent at Potter-Dix Public Schools. With the two districts only about 20 minutes apart, Arent and his wife will be able to stay in Sidney.

"It was absolutely vital," Arent said. "If we didn't have the opportunity to stay in the area, I wouldn't have taken the position. We love the community and the people here. We really truly feel like this is home for us."

It will also allow Arent to fulfill a promise to his late parents. He lost his mom and dad to cancer five years ago. When his mom was diagnosed, he put any career advancement goals on hold.

"She was actually very upset with me that I had stopped working on my schoolwork so I could help with them," Arent said. 

Before she passed, Arent promised his parents he’d continue working toward becoming a superintendent. With a new degree from UNK, and his new position, he’ll keep that promise.

"The ability to walk across that stage with that next degree and to be able to celebrate that promise will be everything to me," he said.

He says leaving Sidney Public Schools after 10 years will be tough.

"It will definitely be a change," Arent said. "I love this place."

But Arent is excited to take the next stop in his career.

"I'm looking forward to a different challenge and being a superintendent," he said. "It's going to be interesting to do and it's going to be exciting to do."

Arent will remain at Sidney Public Schools through June before officially starting in his new job at Potter-Dix Schools in July.