The district has appointed Ashley Varney as an associate principal at John Quincy Adams Primary School, where she had taught second grade for the past nine years.

Varney previously worked abroad at two international schools, as a first grade teacher at the International School of Kuala Lumpur in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for three years, and as a kindergarten and first grade teacher at the American School of Guatemala in Guatemala City, Guatemala for four years.

A Brookhaven resident, Varney earned a bachelor’s degree in business and economics and a master’s degree in elementary education, both from from Lehigh University, and her advanced graduate certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University.

“It is truly a dream to begin my leadership journey here in Deer Park,” Varney said. “Our community has been an inspiration to me, and I look forward to supporting our amazing JQA family as we continue to make our school a warm and welcoming place where every child, family and staff member feels seen, heard and valued. Let’s make this school year the best one yet!”