Superintendent who quit Texas job under cloud is among Washoe school district finalists

RENO -- A former Texas school administrator has been named a finalist for superintendent of the Reno area's school district, less than nine months after he resigned following an investigation into his acceptance of honoraria.

Hector Montenegro, former superintendent of the Arlington school district, was among six finalists selected Friday for superintendent of the Washoe County School District.

Barbara Clark, president of the Washoe school board, said search executive Jim Huge told the board of the resignation but still recommended Montenegro as a finalist. Montenegro resigned less than six months into his job in Arlington.

"Of course, we were curious about that, and he wanted to make sure we knew that had occurred," Clark told the Reno Gazette-Journal. "We were satisfied with the explanation (Montenegro) gave. He remained suitable."

No Nevadans were among finalists to replace current Superintendent Paul Dugan, who is stepping down Aug. 1.

Huge said: "There were no charges filed, and he has not been found guilty of anything."

Arlington school trustees voted to accept Montenegro's resignation in July, days after placing him on paid leave.

The board investigated whether his acceptance of honoraria from nonprofits that do business with the district may have violated state law. The investigation included whether his travel-related expenses were excessive.

After the investigation began, Montenegro returned about $14,000 in honoraria. He said there's no current investigation into the matter, though the school district is involved in litigation with a nonprofit that provided honoraria.

"Everybody will be Googling and looking into it, and if I can get through that, I'll have a lot to offer the school district. ... I consider this a new beginning for me."