$238,000 per year for new Washoe County schools chief

RENO - The Washoe County School Board has agreed to pay the new superintendent of schools at least $238,000 a year.

The board approved the new four-year contract this week for Pedro Martinez, the former deputy superintendent in Clark County who takes over his new job on Aug. 1. As deputy superintendent, Martinez earned $158,000 a year in 2011.

In addition to the base pay, the contract provides for performance-based bonuses of up to nearly $24,000 each year. It's similar to the contract that was held by his predecessor, Heath Morrison.

Martinez also will receive a vehicle for his use, full health and medical coverage for him and his family and a qualified tax-sheltered annuity.

It will make him the second-highest paid superintendent in the state, trailing only Clark County Superintendent Dwight Jones. His base pay last year was $282,000.