Riverdale native Kathryn Varner named next superintendent of SH SD151

Twenty-five years ago, Kathryn Varner began her career in South Holland School District 151 as a paraprofessional. This summer, she will become the district’s next superintendent, starting July 1. 

The South Holland School District 151 Board of Education held a special meeting on May 27 to appoint Varner as superintendent, succeeding Teresa Hill, who is leaving after 14 years to become superintendent of Homewood School District 153. 

Varner currently serves as District 151’s director of curriculum, assessment, professional development and English language learners. For Varner, the appointment celebrates a 25 year career with the district.

“I started on this journey 25 years ago. As a paraprofessional at Eisenhower School, was a teacher at Madison School, a teacher and a math coach at Coolidge Middle School, then came to the district office,” Varner said. “So throughout this journey, School District 151 really has been my passion, and this is really my family.”

Board president Loretta Wells said Varner emerged as the top candidate after a search process that included applicants from both in and outside of Illinois “We’re excited that she is going to take this next step with us. I know and believe that she’s going to do great things for the district,” Wells said. “She’s going to continue on what we have already going.”

Among those attending the meeting was Varner’s husband, Neal Varner, who said he has watched her grow professionally throughout their marriage. “I’m extremely proud. She’s put in a lot of hard work and it’s obviously all paying off now,” Neal Varner said. “And she’s going to do a fantastic job.”

As superintendent, Varner said she hopes to build on the district’s current programs while continuing to expand opportunities for students.

“That’s what I hope to continue to bring to this district moving forward is continuing the programs that we have, and looking for different ways that we can always add on other opportunities for students,” Varner said. One of her first priorities will be helping guide the district through the next phase of its strategic plan while maintaining a focus on student achievement and social-emotional learning.

“Dr. Varner has the qualities that we can’t teach somebody, things like a dedication and care for our specific students and our community, a willingness to put in the work, a strong work ethic and just a love for helping kids learn,” Hill said. “There are lots of things that can be taught, but those are qualities that can’t be taught and I have no doubt that she’s going to bring those things to the table.”

A native of Riverdale, Varner holds degrees from Purdue University, Chicago State University, Governors State University, Benedictine University, and Loyola University Chicago, according to the district’s website.