CCSD Welcomes Leadership and Transportation Teams to New School Year

With the first day of school just around the corner, Churchill County School District has been buzzing with activity as teachers and staff gear up for the 2025–26 academic year.

Superintendent Derild Parsons kicked things off last week with a three-day leadership retreat, where principals, vice principals, and district administrators came together to collaborate, share ideas, and set goals for the year ahead. Parsons said the focus was on making this year the “best yet” for CCSD learners, with an emphasis on growth, learning, and success.

On August 11, district bus drivers gathered for the annual “Bid Day,” where they selected their routes for the school year. With plenty of smiles and enthusiasm, the transportation team is now using the next few weeks to refine routes and ensure smooth rides for students. “We’re so happy to see their smiling faces,” Parsons said, noting their excitement to welcome back the dedicated drivers who help start and end each student’s school day.

Bus drivers: In the windows, from left to right, are Jeane Workman, Stacie Marsh, Amy Merritt, Elizabeth “Ely” Hernandez-Gonzalez, Nick Baglin (mechanic), Alicia Hicks, Rachel Allen, Janice Arroyo-Wright, and Nuni Castrona-Ramello.

Standing in the back row, up against the bus, are Dustan Drinkut (maintenance supervisor and transportation garage supervisor), Micah Pursley (mechanic), James Pritchett, Ken Bailey, Threasa Holt-Jones, Valerie Williams, Bob Summers, and Joy Lacow-Swett.

In the front row are Marsha Metz, Elizabeth Ward, Scotty Grenamyer, Tina Grenamayer-Nickles, Judi Itskin, Natasha Domes (transportation supervisor), Cindy Ruhnau, Valerie Summers, and Brenda Wright.

The district also celebrated the arrival of new teachers at an orientation hosted Monday in “The Pit” at the District Office. Parsons and Assistant Superintendent Summer Walker welcomed the group, who enjoyed breakfast provided by the Churchill County Education Association before diving into introductions, resources, and Chromebook distribution. The new staff also explored the district’s Profile of a Learner and Modern Learning Components, with lunch provided by the district offering a chance to connect with colleagues.

“We are so grateful to have these incredible educators joining our team,” Parsons said. “Their energy and passion will make a real difference for our students and community.”

All staff will return this week for final preparations before classrooms open for the first day of school, August 25.