(CNN) Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak donated his first check Wednesday to the state's public schools, making good on his campaign promise to donate his salary until public education improves, his office announced.

The Democrat's total salary is $163,474, his communications director Helen Kalla told CNN.

In a letter to the Nevada State Board of Education, Sisolak promised to give his salary each quarter to the Nevada Department of Education's Education Gift Fund.

"I asked the people of Nevada for the chance to lead this state for many reasons, chief among them being the opportunity to improve educational outcomes for every child in every classroom in the state," Sisolak wrote. "To show my commitment to this goal, the First Lady and I are donating my net state salary back to public education. It is my sincere hope that with these donations, I can begin to fulfill my promise to our educators, families, and children and make a positive impact on our public schools."

Sisolak will do this for the duration of his four-year term, his office said in a statement. He directed the department to split the funds so that all 416 of the state's Title 1 schools -- schools with high percentages of low-income students -- receive $1,000, as well as an even share of any remaining funds, according to his office.