Oct. 26 -- Please tell us, why do you want to serve in this position?

Varner: I want to continue on the Middlebury Community School Board to serve our students, educators and leadership team. Making informed decisions that are always in the best interest of our students is my top priority. I visit our schools often through volunteer efforts, including Junior Achievement and mentoring at Northridge Middle School, and I have seen, first-hand, how our students can thrive in our school system. Our four children all attended Middlebury Community Schools for their complete K-12 education, with our youngest son currently in his junior year at Northridge High School.

I know our teachers work very hard every day and I've seen their successes and their challenges. I take this responsibility to serve our students, educators, and the community very seriously. My hope is to contribute to the mission at Middlebury Community Schools and support efforts for continuous improvement and celebrate our successes along the way. I want to be a supportive voice for our schools in the community and an advocate for Middlebury Community Schools as an excellent choice for families considering their education options.

What are your qualifications for this position? Why do you feel you would be the best person for the job?

Varner: I was appointed to the Middlebury Community School Board in January 2021 after a board member resignation. I immediately engaged with our board in the recruitment and hiring of our current superintendent Dr. Jayson Snyder to replace Jane Allen after her retirement.

I am a CPA with nearly 30 years of experience. I understand the complex areas of our school budget, financial statements, and funding formulas. We have and will continue to make significant improvements to our facilities without raising our local property tax rate.

The Middlebury Activity Center will open yet this year at Northridge High School and will be a wonderful facility for athletics, assemblies, and events. Future improvements will include the next phases of remodeling at Northridge Middle School and necessary replacements and improvements in our seven school buildings.

Due to our history of managing our finances responsibly, we can maintain outstanding facilities without tax increases. During my career, I have served on many boards in our community. Most of my board service experience is working with organizations that serve children and youth. I'm very passionate about investing in the next generation in our community!

If (re)elected, what would some of your top goals be when it comes to the position?

Varner: I will continue to support our board, leadership, and educators as mentioned previously. I will support our superintendent and school corporation's goals and be an advocate for Middlebury Community Schools in our community. I will continue to be a good listener with community members and interface with the school community where appropriate.

As Indiana's redesigned high school diplomas and requirements come online, I will support our implementation locally, particularly with the business community and promote internships and collaboration with the school and business communities.

I will continue to volunteer in our buildings and support our teachers and encourage them. Our primary mission is educating our students. As a board and leadership team, we will look at the relevant data, seek continuous improvement, and continue building on our success. Most of all, I want to continue to help our students thrive in a safe environment and be the best they can be.