The Churchill County School Board voted 4–3 on March 26 to select Fernley Intermediate School Principal Blake Cooper as its superintendent after interviewing four finalists during a special meeting.
The board conducted interviews with Levi Collins, Natalie Burgess, Cooper, and Mike Walker, scheduling 10-minute breaks between each session. After the interviews, trustees ranked the candidates on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being the top pick. Rankings were then converted to points, with first place earning four points, second place three, and so on. Cooper and Burgess tied for the top score with 23 points each, followed by Walker with 13 points and Collins with 11.
During his interview, Collins discussed his experience in a rural district and emphasized communication, visibility, teacher support, and priorities in reading and math. Burgess focused on collaboration, trust, and retention, noting that district goals aligned with her own. Cooper highlighted the need for cabinet meetings, weekly alignment, and timely communication, as well as his ties to Fallon and his rural experience as a principal. Walker stressed the importance of clear, consistent communication across the district and the need to build relationships with staff, students, and the community early on.
Board discussion reflected a divide between prioritizing experience and long-term potential. Trustees said Burgess brought strong experience, a clear communication style, and a detailed, goal-oriented vision for the district. Several noted that she provided specific benchmarks tied to district priorities, including improving school star ratings and increasing attendance. Concerns were raised about her background in charter schools and whether transitioning to a traditional public school in a rural community could pose challenges. Some also questioned whether not being local would affect community fit.
Cooper’s local ties were seen as a strength, with trustees pointing to his Fallon background and the fact that he has children in the district. Board members described him as coachable, ambitious, and capable, and noted his humility and straightforward communication style. Some concerns centered on his lack of district-level and superintendent experience, and whether he was ready to step into the role without additional time or development.
Two members of the public spoke during the meeting. One supported Cooper for his local background and involvement in the district. The second speaker, Matt Hyde, thanked the board for its work and emphasized the importance of supporting whichever candidate is selected.
After discussion, Trustee Joe McFadden moved to select Cooper as superintendent, and Celestia Blakey seconded. The motion was amended to direct the board president and district attorney, with support from consultants, to negotiate a contract and return it for approval. The motion passed 4–3.
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