Reynaldo Martinez was born in 1937 in Chama, New Mexico, but was raised in Henderson, Nevada where he attended Basic High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in education from Arizona State University in 1961.
Before starting his teaching career, he served as a member of the United States Naval Reserve.
His teaching career began at Western High School where he was recognized as an Outstanding Teacher in Clark County. He was also known for being an outstanding baseball coach even leading teams to state championships.
Mr. Martinez’s early work in politics began in 1968 when he was selected to join the staff of the National Education Association (NEA) as the organizational, political, and legislative consultant. In 1976, he became a lobbyist for the NEA and would later be recognized as one of the outstanding political and legislative consultants for the NEA. Mr. Martinez would continue his political career serving as an advisor to several political campaigns including Governor Bob Miller, Mike O’Callaghan and Senator Richard Bryan. Mr. Martinez most notably served as Chief of Staff for Senator Harry Reid.
In 1990, the Latin Chamber of Commerce recognized Mr. Martinez as Outstanding Hispanic of the Year. Reynaldo Martinez Elementary School opened in 2000. He passed away in March 2022.
Jacobson Elementary School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by inviting families to a “Taste of” festival where families had the opportunity to decorate a table that showed off their specific culture. Attendees were also treated to a special performance by Mariachi Los Pumas de K.O. Knudson Middle School! Watch the video here: https://fb.watch/v7NbOtiRJd/
