That’s the new salary for Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden.

With the start of the 2015-16 fiscal year on July 1, he is eligible to receive another $23,758 — up to 10 percent of his salary — based on performance incentives and $28,500 in a deferred compensation plan.

The School Board agreed at its July 13 meeting to increase Dr. Bedden’s annual salary by $12,579 from the $225,000 agreed to when he was hired in January 2014.

“The board, as spelled out in Dr. Bedden’s contract, agreed to and signed off on a 1.5 percent increase in the superintendent’s annual salary for the upcoming year,” said RPS spokesperson Richard Davis in response to a Free Press query about the pay hike.

“This corresponds with the same 1.5 percent increase for teachers within the school division for the 2015-16 fiscal year.”

By comparison, a new teacher with a master’s degree starts off at $46,751 with the 1.5 percent increase, according to RPS. With 20 years of service at RPS, that same teacher would make $76,523.

Dr. Bedden’s contract runs through June 30, 2017. He is the highest paid superintendent in RPS history.

His predecessor, Yvonne W. Brandon, was making $170,000 when she stepped down in April 2013.

Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ annual salary is $125,000.

Separately, RPS officials announced they are negotiating to lease 10 classrooms at the Saint Paul’s Baptist Church campus on Belt Boulevard for a pre-kindergarten program for about 150 children ages 4 and 5.

Officials said they need extra space for pre-K programs because of the growing number of parents on South Side seeking pre-K programs and limited space in school buildings. The board is expected to vote on the lease plan in August

RPS also is asking Richmond parents and caretakers to register 4 year olds for its free, full-day preschool programs.

Online registration is available on the preschool page at www.richmond.k12.va.us. The website also details what documents are needed to register.

Information: Call (804) 780-6218. — JOEY MATTHEWS