Public school board advertises for superintendent with ‘conservative, Christian values’

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School board members at a Wisconsin public school district listed “conservative politically” and “Christian values” among their desired characteristics for a new superintendent.

Cedar Grove-Belgium School District, located in Sheboygan County, hired the search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to assist with filling its open superintendent position. Based on focus groups, the firm developed a “Leadership Profile” report that was published in March. A section titled “Desired Characteristics of the next Cedar Grove-Belgium Superintendent as identified by the school board” included “Must match the make-up of our community (conservative, christian values)” as one of the characteristics.

According to a WPR report , the original report was amended to remove the language after potential candidates raised questions about it. The ACLU of Wisconsin told the outlet it is illegal to make religious beliefs a desired job characteristic.

Screenshot from original “Leadership Profile” report.

Chad Hoopman, president of the school board, wrote in an email to the Examiner Thursday that the search firm met with focus groups of school board members, staff, community members and students of the district as a part of the process of building a profile for the next superintendent. He said any characteristic mentioned by participants in a focus group was recorded and appeared on the list of traits, identified as coming from focus groups, for “complete transparency to any potential candidates to review.”

Hoppman noted there was a disclaimer in the report that the comments made during the focus group sessions are “considered personal opinions of the individual making the comments regarding the Cedar Grove-Belgium School District.” He noted that the overall “desired candidate profile” did not include religious or political views.

“The profile for superintendent does not contain any requirements that would be discriminatory towards any potential applicant,” Hoopman wrote. “The Cedar Grove–Belgium School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants for their religious or political beliefs.”

Hoopman also told WPR that he realizes listing “Christian” as a desirable characteristic by school board members would give candidates the impression they would not be considered if they did not practice that religion, and that’s why it was removed.

The search for a superintendent for the district was recently reopened by Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates.

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