Vancouver Public Schools has hired Brenda Martinek as executive director of special services. The board of directors approved her appointment at its meeting Tuesday. Her annual salary is $131,928.
Martinek will start working Thursday. A transition period will allow her to work with Sally Charuhas, current executive director of special services, until Jan. 30. Charuhas will transition to a part-time position until her June 30 retirement.
Martinek has a 25-year career in special education. Most recently she has been executive director of student services for Reynolds School District in Fairview, Ore. She also has been a special education administrator in Portland and Evergreen school districts.
She began her career in special education as an autism assistant, working her way through college and becoming a special education teacher. Martinek received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Utah, and a master’s degree in special education and an administrator’s license from Portland State University.