NEWTON, May 19, 2025 — Catawba County Schools Superintendent Dr. Matt Stover has announced the appointment of Brett Huffman as the district’s new Director of Transportation. The Board of Education confirmed the appointment during its regularly scheduled meeting Monday night. Mr. Huffman will officially assume his new role on July 1, 2025.
“We’re excited to welcome Mr. Huffman back to Catawba County Schools in this important leadership role,” said Dr. Stover. “His background in both education and school administration, combined with a deep understanding of how schools operate day to day, will serve our transportation department—and most importantly, our students—very well.”
A Burke County native and graduate of East Burke High School, Huffman earned his Bachelor of Science in History from Montreat College in 2005. He began his educational career as a high school teacher and coach, serving at East Burke and Draughn High Schools for over a decade. During that time, he completed a Master’s in Executive Leadership and School Administration from Gardner-Webb University in 2014.
Huffman moved into school leadership as an Assistant Principal at Maiden Elementary and later Maiden Middle. Most recently, he served as Principal of East Alexander Middle School and as Coordinator for the Student Success Center in Alexander County Schools.
In his new role, Huffman will oversee daily operations of student transportation across the district, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and service. He will also work to celebrate and support the work of transportation staff and bus drivers who play a vital role in student success.
“It is an honor to return to the Catawba County School System as Transportation Director,” Huffman shared. “My goal is to continue the stellar work our transportation department does on a daily basis—safely getting our students to and from school efficiently each and every day. I also plan to highlight the dedication of our staff and bus drivers throughout the district.”
Huffman and his wife, Lauren, who is also a principal, reside in Valdese with their two children, Claire (12) and Hayes (9). He enjoys watching sports and spending time outdoors with his family.