Canavero named new state superintendent of public instruction

Steve Canavero, who since August has served as the interim state superintendent of public instruction, will oversee the Nevada Education Department as its next full-time chief.

Gov. Brian Sandoval announced Tuesday that he had named Canavero as state superintendent following an application process that drew just three candidates, including two who responded to a free advertisement for the position on Craigslist.com.

"Steve has been instrumental (in) implementing the sweeping reforms and successfully fulfilling the mission behind the unprecedented investment recently made in Nevada's public education system," Sandoval said in a statement. "He has a deep knowledge and understanding of the unique initiatives passed in the last legislative session and a commitment to accountability for results."

Canavero most recently served as deputy superintendent of student achievement at the Education Department and previously directed the state's charter school authority.

He will oversee the instruction of more than 450,000 public school students in Nevada.

"I am humbled to continue serving as the state superintendent of public instruction and offer my unwavering commitment to our students and improving and increasing education opportunities for every child who attends our schools," Canavero said in a statement.

He later confirmed an annual salary of $113,156.

After pumping nearly $400 million in new spending into the state's education system, Sandoval selected Canavero from a limited pool of applicants.

Canavero's competition was just two men who applied to be state superintendent after finding the job posting on Craigslist. A fourth individual applied for the position as well, but failed to meet minimum qualifications, namely, reaching the age of 21 and possessing the "knowledge and ability" to carry out state laws and regulations.

"We don't deem the lack of response as a lack of interest," Elaine Wynn, president of the State Board of Education, said last month.

"We see it more as a validation that we're on track, we're doing well and that there is continuity in all of the work that we've begun," Wynn said.

According to state law, the state board must submit a list of three candidates to the governor for his consideration for the state superintendent.

With only three qualified applications to consider, the board voted unanimously to send all three candidates to Sandoval.

Contact Neal Morton at nmorton@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0279. Find him on Twitter: @nealtmorton