The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District board has approved the hiring of Dr. Brad Saron as its next superintendent, a decision that has drawn concern from some parents and a dissenting vote from one board member. The appointment comes amid an ongoing investigation in Saron's current district, raising questions about transparency and community trust as he prepares to take leadership on July 1.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Brad Saron has been hired as the new superintendent for the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District (CFAUSD), effective July 1.
- The decision has been met with concern from parents due to an ongoing investigation in Saron's current district, Sun Prairie Area School District.
- School board member Dave Martineau was the sole vote against approving Saron's contract, citing concerns over community trust.
- The board confirmed Saron is not a subject of the Sun Prairie investigation before extending the offer.
A Controversial Appointment
The Chippewa Falls school board's search for a new superintendent concluded with the selection of Dr. Brad Saron, who will succeed the retiring Jeff Holmes. However, the announcement has been overshadowed by events in Saron's current role as superintendent of the Sun Prairie Area School District.
In Sun Prairie, a former high school dean of students is facing charges for multiple child sex crimes against students. This situation triggered an internal investigation within the district, which remains active. The controversy led to a vote of 'no confidence' in Saron by Sun Prairie district electors in October.
Despite this, the Chippewa Falls school board moved forward with the hiring process. School Board President David Czech stated that the board verified with Sun Prairie's legal counsel that Dr. Saron was not a subject of the internal investigation. This confirmation was a key condition of the employment offer.
Timeline of the Decision
According to minutes from closed board meetings, the decision to hire Saron was a two-step process. On December 3, the board voted to offer him the position, contingent on him not being implicated in the Sun Prairie investigation. On December 22, the board held a final vote to approve his contract, officially securing his appointment.
One Board Member's Dissent
While the majority of the board approved the hire, member Dave Martineau cast the lone dissenting vote. He explained his decision was not about Saron's personal character but about the potential impact on the community's relationship with the school district.
"I don't think there was anything malicious or any intent by Brad Saron in any of the things that went on down there, however superintendents are in charge of the district," Martineau stated. "They are paid to be the face of the district, they are paid to earn the trust in the community."
Martineau expressed his fear that the divisiveness from Sun Prairie could follow Dr. Saron to Chippewa Falls. He believes the hire could damage the trust that the district has worked to build with parents and residents.
The Voting Record
The board's voting record, obtained through an open records request, provides insight into Martineau's position. In the initial December 3 vote to offer Saron the job, Martineau abstained. He explained that at the time, he felt he lacked sufficient information about the situation in Sun Prairie to make an informed decision.
After further consideration, he voted 'no' in the final December 22 meeting to approve the contract. This made him the only board member to formally oppose the appointment.
Focus on Leadership Accountability
Martineau's concern highlights a broader debate in public administration: the ultimate responsibility of a leader for events that occur within their organization, regardless of direct involvement. His vote reflects a position that the superintendent's role involves maintaining public confidence, which can be compromised by association with significant institutional failures.
Building Trust Moving Forward
With the decision now finalized, the focus shifts to the future. Dr. Saron is scheduled to begin his tenure as the CFAUSD superintendent on July 1. The transition period will be critical for establishing a positive relationship with the community he is set to lead.
Martineau has emphasized the need for collaboration to rebuild and strengthen trust. He believes the board and the new superintendent must work together to prove their commitment to the district's students, staff, and parents.
"The goal is to make sure we do what's in the best interest of our kids, our staff, our parents and it's going to come down to the relationships that we have," Martineau said. He stressed that fostering strong, positive relationships will be the foundation for moving past the controversy surrounding the hire.
For many parents and community members, the coming months will be a period of observation. The board's decision to hire Dr. Saron represents a calculated risk, betting that his leadership capabilities will outweigh the concerns stemming from his time in Sun Prairie. The success of this transition will depend heavily on open communication and a demonstrated commitment to transparency from both Dr. Saron and the school board.
