Murfreesboro, TN - Rutherford County Schools is gearing up for a new chapter in student transportation as Audrey Johnson prepares to take the wheel as the district’s next Transportation Director. The announcement came today from Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan, who shared that Johnson will officially begin his new role this coming Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Johnson, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel with 25 years of service, brings a wealth of experience in logistics, IT, and communications. Following his military career, he spent over a decade with the federal government and most recently served as senior transportation director for Denver Public Schools.

Dr. Sullivan has tasked Johnson with a comprehensive audit of the district’s transportation operations. The goal? To establish clear expectations, foster stronger relationships between staff and contractors, and implement a master plan focused on safety, efficiency, and customer service.

Rutherford County Schools currently operates more than 330 bus routes through a network of over 170 independent contractors. Johnson sees this as an opportunity to build a more unified, reliable system.

“Logistics is about more than just getting from point A to point B,” Johnson said. “It’s about making sure our students are safe, that they can focus on learning, and that families trust the system that gets them there.”

He emphasized a team-first approach, aiming to work closely with both internal staff and external contractors to strengthen the district’s transportation network.

Johnson steps into the role following the retirement of Wanda Barnett, who has served in the transportation department for over 19 years, including the last three as director. Her legacy of dedication sets the stage for Johnson’s mission to elevate the system even further.

With a steady hand and a service-driven mindset, Johnson is ready to steer Rutherford County’s buses—and the students who ride them—toward a safer, more dependable future.