Rev. Crystal Varner Parker
Hello there! I’m Crystal Varner Parker and I’m a lifelong Richmonder, graduate of Henrico County Public Schools, married to an Henrico County Public Schools graduate, and mom to two HCPS students. As a multi-racial woman (I’m third generation Japanese American and Native American), I found a welcome home when I moved to Henrico County in 1995 as a student. I have been a resident of the Fairfield District since 2010. I am a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pastor, with a role focusing on education for those from birth to adult. Shaped by my own experiences (both personally and professionally) in public schools, I am dedicated to standing up for our school system. I am passionate about keeping our talented educators in the classrooms so our are students can learn from the best of the best. Through my work and advocacy, I will strive to address issues such as teacher retention, elevating community partnerships, and listening to the needs of our community.
I returned to parish (church) ministry after ten years in the not-for-profit sector in 2021, but never lost my passion for supporting education. From 2015 to 2021, I was the financial educator for Henrico Federal Credit Union (a member owned financial cooperative started by Henrico County employees). In that role, I oversaw the student run school branch program at Deep Run High School, Hermitage High School, Henrico High School, and Holman Middle School. I collaborated with teachers and administrators across the county to bring effective and transformative financial education into classrooms to cover economic and personal finance standards and learning in elementary classes, middle school classes, and high school Econ and Personal Finance classes, as well as high school math classes. I collaborated with other financial educators across the state of Virginia to provide continuing education to teachers of Economics and Personal Finance to aid them in the work they do. In my commitment to meet teacher and students needs, I worked with other Virginia financial educators to create the award winning game called SCORE!, which teaches students and young adults about credit scores.
As a Presbyterian minister, I know the importance of education, collaboration, and representation. I am skilled at knowing how to work alongside and support staff, volunteers, and students of all ages. Cultivating relationships and partnerships, investing time, listening, and being present is a crucial part of what I do. I am committed to supporting and advocating for our students, educators, and staff across Henrico County. It is my commitment if elected, to bring what I have learned and effectively done to my role as school board member for the Fairfield district.
I know the importance of being an involved community member, and doing the work needed to support our students and families. During 2019-2020, I co-chaired Henrico County Public Schools Elementary Redistricting Committee. I worked alongside parents, community members, and Henrico County staff to evaluate and create new elementary boundaries. Despite the pandemic putting an early end to our work, my committee was able to provide a plan to reduce critical overcrowding in elementary schools. During the 2021-2022 school year, I also co-chaired the Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee. I have also volunteered countless hours supporting Henrico’s teachers and students whenever possible, and even serve as the troop leader of a multi-level Girl Scout troop. As the mother to a rising first and fourth grader, this means they’re not going anywhere anytime soon, and neither am I.
“Crystal has always been clear in her vision of adding value to the lives of every person with whom she comes in contact. I’ve been lucky enough to have known her for the past 15 years. Each time we’ve spoken about important issues regarding parenting, education, family, and community, she has been attentive, kind, and knowledgeable. She’s offered her time and energy on numerous occasions to support me as a friend and as a teacher. She even helped me transform my classroom to help the little ones understand the value of money through creating a lemonade stand. Crystal has the background, organizational skills, and knowledge to add value to Henrico County Public Schools!”
— Robin M.
“As the mother of 2 school aged boys in the Fairfield district, and a teacher in Chesterfield, I am deeply aware of the importance of a proactive, transparent, and servant-centered school board. Communication is absolutely key, and Crystal is masterful at this. She is determined to listen to all angles and to learn what is needed to best serve students and teachers. I am so grateful that she is running for school board! We need her!”
— Heather W.
“I have had the privilege of working closely with Crystal, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional leadership skills. Her ability to bring together diverse groups of people from various backgrounds and effectively collaborate towards a common goal is remarkable. Crystal’s clear and concise communication style ensures that everyone is on the same page, fostering an atmosphere of transparency and productivity. Moreover, her unwavering advocacy for the betterment of the community demonstrates her genuine commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.”
— Nicki H.
“Crystal’s passion for addressing what’s right for our kids and community is apparent in her actions everyday. She constantly looks for ways to improve what’s around her and I have seen this first hand when we were both educators. She is a born leader and really steps up to the plate when advocating for underrepresented and minority populations.”
— Gina I.
CVP for Schools 