Washoe County School District (WCSD) Superintendent Joe Ernst is retiring in July, two years after he took over as top leader for the state's second largest traditional school district after working there for almost three decades. 

During his time as superintendent, Ernst worked to improve issues such as chronic absenteeism while confronting challenges such as a $6 million budget deficit projected for next year, in part due to declining enrollment. 

Ernst said in a Wednesday statement that the decision was motivated by a desire to spend more time with his family. 

"WCSD has strong momentum and incredible people who are committed to students," Ernst said. "I have great confidence that WCSD will continue to move forward and build on the progress that has been made."

The district's Board of Trustees is expected to discuss the next steps in selecting a new superintendent at a future meeting.  

Ernst is the district's fourth superintendent over the past decade. 

His predecessor, Susan Enfield, resigned after 19 months on the job. 

Enfield was hired in July 2022 to replace Kristen McNeill, who became the district's permanent superintendent in April 2020 after serving in an interim capacity since July 2019. McNeill led the district for about two years until she retired in June 2022. 

McNeill returned to the district to serve as interim superintendent after Enfield's departure.