Board of Education
South Holland School District 151 Appoints Dr. Kathryn Varner as New Superintendent
South Holland, Illinois — The Board of Education of South Holland School District 151 is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Kathryn Varner as the District’s next Superintendent, effective July 1, 2026.
Dr. Varner brings more than 25 years of dedicated service to South Holland School District 151 and a deep understanding of the students, families, staff, and community she will now lead. A lifelong educator and experienced district leader, Dr. Varner has built a distinguished career grounded in instructional excellence, collaboration, innovation, and student-centered leadership.
Currently serving as the District’s Director of Curriculum, Assessment, Professional Development, and English Language Learners, Dr. Varner has played a critical role in advancing teaching and learning initiatives throughout the district. Her previous leadership experiences include serving as Coordinator of Technology, Math, and Assessment, as well as classroom teaching roles at both Coolidge Middle School and Madison School.
“Dr. Varner’s passion for students, extensive experience within District 151, and unwavering commitment to educational excellence made her the clear choice to lead our district into the future,” said the South Holland School District 151 Board of Education. “Her vision, integrity, and collaborative leadership style will continue to strengthen our schools and support the success of every student.”
Born and raised in Riverdale, Illinois, Dr. Varner has strong roots in the South Suburban community and values the importance of family, relationships, and community partnership. She has consistently demonstrated a leadership philosophy centered on empathy, transparency, data-informed decision-making, and building long-term organizational capacity through distributed leadership.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to serve as the next Superintendent of South Holland School District 151,” said Dr. Varner. “This district has been my professional home for more than two decades, and I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished together. I look forward to continuing our commitment to student achievement, supporting our dedicated staff, and strengthening our partnerships with families and the community.”
Dr. Varner’s academic credentials reflect her lifelong commitment to learning and educational leadership. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society and Psychology from Purdue University, a Master of Education in Teaching from Chicago State University, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Governors State University, a Master’s endorsement in English as a Second Language from Benedictine University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Loyola University Chicago.
The Board of Education expressed its confidence that Dr. Varner’s leadership will continue to move the district forward while honoring the strong traditions and values that define South Holland School District 151.
About South Holland School District 151
South Holland School District 151 is committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities that empower all students to achieve academic success and become productive, responsible citizens. The district prides itself on fostering a supportive, student-centered learning environment built on strong partnerships among schools, families, and the community.
Board of Education Regular Meeting- Monday, June 8, 2026 at 7:00pm
Committee of the Whole Meeting - 6:30pm.
The Board will hold its Regular Board Meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. This is a public (Open) meeting. Members of the public may access the meeting by coming to the meeting location. Please note: All attendees should be aware that open meetings of the Board of Education may be filmed/recorded and/or streamed online by local media or others.
The Board of Education meeting location is: Madison School, 15700 Orchid Dr., South Holland, IL 60473.
Contact the Board of Education
2025-2026 Board Meeting Dates
The Regular Board Meeting is scheduled for the first Monday of the month except for the months of September, December, March, and June.
A Committee-of-the-Whole meeting will be held prior to the regular Board Meeting. Items on the Agenda will be discussed; however, no board action will be taken.
Click here to view the Regular Board Meeting dates for 2025-26.
Board Member Training
The following Board of Education members have completed at least 4 hours of Professional Development and Leadership training:
Mrs. Patrice Burton
Current Term Ends 2029
Mrs. Loretta Wells
Current Term Ends 2027
Ms. Cynthia Shane
Current Term Ends 2027
Mr. Benjamin Clark
Current Term Ends 2027
Mrs. Michele Turner
Current Term Ends 2029
Mrs. Tiffany Daniels
Current Term Ends 2029
Mrs. Ernestine Proctor-Harris
Current Term Ends 2029
Beyond mandatory training, board members participate in ongoing professional development to stay informed about current educational trends and best practices.
Board of Education Members
