By Ed Birch, Special Writer
The Board of Education unanimously appointed Peter Varela as the permanent high school principal Monday night.
Mr. Varela has served in an interim capacity since last summer.
The principal vacancy was caused by the departure of Timothy Matheney, who left the position for a job with the New Jersey Department of Education.
In making the recommendation to the board, Superintendent Dr. Gary McCartney praised Mr. Varela for his tireless efforts in the school and the community since taking on the job July 1. Mr. Varela had functioned previously in the high school as the assistant principal for academic leadership.
”Sometimes you must realize that the best candidate is working right in front of you” said Dr. McCartney. “Peter Varela has done everything that we have asked him to do at the high school, and more.”
Dr. McCartney said that, under his supervision, the school continues to make strides academically, as well as in the areas of extra-curricular activities such as athletics, music performance, and the community in general.
Such participation is evident with the football team winning the state championship, the marching band achieving national rankings, and the coordination of many trips to the New Jersey shore to provide relief to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
”I approached the new position with the understanding that I had a job to do” Mr. Varela said after his appointment, following Monday night’s meeting where he recognized eight of nine National Merit Semi-finalists. Combined with the National Merit Commended students, this year is the highest total in school history.
”I never looked back at the (interim) title that I was holding. My only concern was to strengthen the bond between the great faculty at the high school, the huge student body, and our community.” Mr. Varela said. “I was well prepared for the position by my mentor, Tim Matheney in the past few years of service at the high school.”
In describing his future goals, Mr. Varela said he would like to “continue making strides to challenge students academically while creating a more cohesive and family-like environment. the academic excellence, and recognizing that the next step is to bring the Vikings community to the next level.”
”I want to make sure that every student reaches their academic potential and can do anything that they want in life,” Mr. Varela said. “I will do my best to provide the resources that our students need, be it academics, athletics, or the arts.”
Mr. Varela’s said his strong point is the belief that visibility is the main objective of his management style, and that he tried to not miss a football game or marching band performance during the entire season.
In addition, Mr. Varela said he has made his presence known at many athletic competitions for all sports, club meetings, and awards ceremonies this school year. Mr. Varela said he has also made it a point to attend many events where the community has used high school facilities for their programs.
Mr. Varela said he feels it is important for students to know that they are supported, both inside and outside the classroom. He said he makes it a point each day to greet students whenever their paths cross and believes that a simple “hi” has a very positive effect on a student’s day.
Mr. Varela said he is also grateful to Dr. McCartney for his support, and for the opportunity to lead the school, and by including him during many “principal-level” type meetings in the district.
Mr. Varela earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics from the State University of New York at Oneonta and his dual Masters degrees in the education fields from Mercy College and Brooklyn College of the City University of New York.
Prior to coming to the South Brunswick school district, Mr. Varela held assistant principal and supervisory positions at Curtis High School in Staten Island.
In making the move to New Jersey in 2003, Mr. Varela said he felt the initiative “to join a school system where he could help and offer major improvements.” Mr. Varela said has, and will, continue to make his presence known in South Brunswick.
Mr. Varela, his wife, and his two sons live in the Freehold area.
In his spare time, Mr. Varela coaches youth soccer and Little League Baseball and roots for the New York Yankees.
