School District Names Metz as Transportation Supervisor

The Churchill County School District Board of Trustees approved an employment contract on Feb. 17 during their regular meeting, confirming the hiring of Austin Metz as transportation supervisor, a role he says is deeply personal.

“I have been a third-generation school bus driver in the Churchill County School District,” Metz told trustees. “The Transportation Department quite literally raised me from the time I was a few weeks old up until I got my own driver's license and started driving myself to school.”

Metz described his background as uniquely rooted in Fallon but shaped by experience beyond the valley. For several years, he worked for the Walt Disney Company, where he served as a trainer and, as he described it, a “working lead,” similar to a shift manager.

“With that, there was a heavy focus on safety as well as balancing, courtesy, and efficiency. But never losing sight of that safety number— one key,” Metz said. “And those are things that I carry with me. To this day, carried as a bus driver. And would carry into this new role.”

Safety, he said, will remain the department’s top priority.

Metz acknowledged that the transportation department has faced challenges in recent years, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I do believe the number one thing we need to work on is definitely reestablishing the communication and faith from our community and our stakeholders,” he said. “I do believe there's been a lot of strain due to staffing shortages. And difficulty getting everybody on a bus, and those are things I seek to... repair and work on.”

He said finding and retaining qualified staff will be key areas of focus. “I look forward to being able to work with our HR department on recruiting. As well as working with our current staff and drivers. And trainer,” Metz said.

“On retention programs and seeing how we can better the department for not only our stakeholders but for our staff. And see what would make it a better place. What we would be able to attract other potential drivers. So that we can continue to transport our future – into the future.”

Metz said strengthening relationships with families and ensuring consistent communication will help rebuild confidence in the department while improving daily operations for students and drivers alike.

In other matters, School District Comptroller Amanda Hammond reported that the fiscal year 2026-2027 budgeting process is underway. The tentative budget is scheduled for presentation at the March 31 special board meeting.

Keith Lewis, along with Dr. David Jensen of ModerneducateHR, provided guidance on the upcoming superintendent hiring process. They presented results from a community stakeholder survey regarding the qualities most desired in a superintendent and reported that the district had received 13 applications for the position. Trustees will interview top candidates in a public meeting on March 26 at 1 p.m.

Current district enrollment stands at 3,069 students as of Feb. 1.

Visit us online for the results of the community superintendent survey or check out the Feb. 27 edition of The Fallon Post.