Valerie Varas is the principal of Crestridge International Studies and Dual Language Magnet School, where she is committed to creating a school community in which every student is known, supported, and challenged to achieve at high levels. Her leadership is grounded in strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners, along with a deep commitment to equity, instructional excellence, and developing responsible global citizens.

Valerie began her career with Omaha Public Schools, gaining experience in language development and special education before moving into school leadership. At Crestridge, she has focused on strengthening teaching and learning through collaborative planning, Professional Learning Communities, data-informed decision-making, and intentional support for multilingual learners and students with diverse learning needs.

Under Valerie’s leadership, Crestridge has experienced meaningful growth in student achievement while also strengthening the overall school community. Most recently, proficiency increased across ELA, mathematics, science, and English language development, while student growth in both reading and mathematics improved. At the same time, chronic absenteeism declined, behavior incidents decreased, and suspensions were significantly reduced.

Through sustained school-improvement efforts, Valerie successfully led Crestridge out of Nebraska’s Additional Targeted Support and Improvement designation, and the school has since been recognized as an Excellent school. Valerie’s leadership has also been recognized through the LIGHTS Outstanding Principal Award, honoring her commitment to students, educators, and the broader school community.

Valerie believes that ambitious goals become achievable when educators, families, and community partners work together around a shared belief in what children can accomplish. She is especially grateful for partnerships like Suburban Rotary that extend learning and opportunity beyond the classroom and demonstrate what is possible when a community invests in its children.