Five Finalists Named in Churchill County School District Superintendent Search

The Churchill County School District Board of Trustees moved the superintendent hiring process forward last week, unanimously approving five finalists who will advance to the next stage of interviews later this month.

The board heard a presentation from search consultants with Modern EducateHR during its regular meeting outlining the results of the district’s nationwide recruitment effort.

Consultants reported that 13 applications were initially received for the superintendent position. Two candidates withdrew during the process, leaving 11 applicants who participated in screening interviews conducted by the consulting team.

After completing interviews and background vetting, consultants recommended five finalists to the board for consideration.

Those finalists are:

• Natalie Burgess, North Las Vegas, Nevada – Associate Superintendent of Academics for Legacy Traditional School
• Levi Collins, Cascade, Montana – Superintendent of Cascade School District
• Blake Cooper, Fallon, Nevada – Principal of Fernley Intermediate School
• Michael Walker, Fernley, Nevada – Assistant Superintendent, Churchill County School District
• Brett Zanto, Helena, Montana – Principal of Capital High School

Consultants said the candidates represent a range of leadership experience including current superintendents, district administrators, and school principals from several western states.

The board voted unanimously to approve the slate of finalists and move forward with the next phase of the search.

Trustees also discussed how the interview process will be structured when the candidates visit Fallon later this month.

Board members expressed support for an extensive interview process similar to the one used during the district’s previous superintendent search. That process included school site visits, meetings with district staff and employee groups, interviews with board members, and opportunities for community feedback.

Trustees said the visits are important both for the district and the candidates.

“I think it’s important they spend some time here,” Kathryn Whitaker said during the discussion. “If a person’s never been to Fallon, Nevada, it could be a little bit of a culture shock.”

The board also emphasized the importance of allowing stakeholders — including teachers, staff, and community members — to interact with the candidates and provide feedback before a final decision is made.

Consultants recommended structuring the visit over two days, March 25 and March 26, with school visits and stakeholder meetings occurring on the first day and formal board interviews on the second.

The district has a professional development day scheduled March 27 when students will not be in school, which could provide additional flexibility for the interview schedule if needed.

Trustees acknowledged that the process may need to remain flexible, noting that candidates may be pursuing other opportunities and circumstances could change during the final stage of the search.

The board also discussed the possibility of moving forward with fewer finalists if a candidate withdraws before interviews take place.

Following the visits and interviews, trustees will ultimately select the district’s next superintendent.

The position became open after Superintendent Derild Parsons announced plans to retire following the current school year.

The board is expected to make its final decision after the interview process later this month.