The Washoe County School Board praised Superintendent Joe Ernst to the point of tears during his first evaluation at Tuesday’s board meeting.

After listening to a detailed review by an outside consultant, the board unanimously approved Ernst’s review, which gave him high marks for goals that ranged from safety measures, family engagement, test scores and teacher retention.

His contract guarantees him a 2% raise for his evaluation. He was hired in July 2024 with a base salary of $280,000.

After approving the review, the board gave Ernst two standing ovations.

“We have occasionally done one, but for the record we have never done two,” Board President Beth Smith said after glowing remarks about the first-year superintendent. Ernst rose up the ranks as a teacher, principal and district adm

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