To the Cedar Grove – Belgium community:
As part of the process of our Superintendent search, the search firm developed a 17-page leadership profile report. During the process of building the profile report for the next Superintendent, the search firm meets with various focus groups from all stakeholders of the school district including school board members, staff, community members, and students of the district. From that process, any characteristic mentioned by any participant in attendance is recorded and appears on the list of traits for that particular focus group for complete transparency to any potential candidates to review.
There is a disclaimer on page 11 of the report that states that any comments made during focus group sessions are “considered personal opinions of the individual making the comments regarding the Cedar Grove-Belgium School District.” On the list of 34 items stated during the school board focus group, a board member provided a personal opinion stating, “Must match the make-up of our community (conservative, Christian values) and “conservative politically/fiscally.” During the focus group with staff of the 39 comments made a staff member provided a personal opinion stating, “We are a conservative community and we will be happiest with someone with those types of values.” These comments were since removed from the focus group section of the report.
The actual profile of the person that the District is seeking for the next superintendent of CGB is published on pages 3 and 4 of the Leadership Profile Report. This profile never contained any requirements that would be discriminatory towards any potential applicant. The Cedar Grove – Belgium School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants for their religious or political beliefs.
Cedar Grove-Belgium Board of Education