ISLE OF WIGHT—The new superintendent for Isle of Wight County Schools will be paid $130,000 annually under her two-year contract.

Katrise Perera was hired Thursday by Isle of Wight County School Board to replace the retiring Dr. Michael McPherson, who was making $175,000, according to school board member Herb DeGroft.

DeGroft said automatic pay increases for McPherson each time his contract was renewed is the reason for the difference in pay.

The board interviewed 12 candidates, narrowed the search to six and then three before making the decision on Perera, who is a school improvement officer for the Houston Independent School District in Texas.

“We would have been satisfied with all three of the final candidates,” DeGroft said.

Parera led a team of nine principals in the areas of curriculum, strategic planning and professional development.

DeGroft said that experience along with her time as a teacher and principal led the board to offer her the job.

“I think it was her experience across the spectrum in education — from teaching to her position in Texas,” he said. “It’s really important because I think she will be very accessible.”

Parera will take over on July 1.