Washoe County School District Superintendent Joe Ernst has announced he will be retiring after the end of this current school year.
He told us he will be as helpful as possible in the following months to assist in the transition.
Ernst has been in this role for nearly two years but has spent the last 32 years in education. Throughout his career he has held multiple roles within the Washoe County School District including teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, Area Superintendent, Chief Accountability Officer, and his most recent and final, Superintendent.
Ernst said “Education has been such a meaningful and fulfilling career for me. While this work has meant so much, this next chapter will allow me to spend more time with my wife and children and enjoy the moments that matter most.
"What I will always be most proud of is the people. The dedication of our teachers, principals, support staff, bus drivers, leadership team, and all WCSD employees is extraordinary. Every day they show up for students with commitment and care, and it has been inspiring to be part of that work. Seeing our students grow and thrive as they engage in their education has been the most rewarding part of my time here. My experiences with them give me great hope for the future.”
Board President Adam Mayberry said “He has led with integrity, thoughtfulness, and a clear focus on what is best for students, staff, and families. While his leadership will certainly be missed, we are grateful for the impact he has made on WCSD and wish him a well-deserved retirement filled with time and memories with his beautiful family.”
The Board of Trustees are expected to discuss the next steps for naming a new superintendent at a future meeting.
We have reached out for more information on the timeline they're looking at and if they're expanding the search nationally or keeping it local.
We will share new details as they come.
