In December 2004, the Frederick County Board of Education started advertising for the county's next superintendent of schools, and it incorporated the Six Pillars into the job description. According to the Frederick Gazette, the board said its ideal candidate would:

-- Exhibit the Six Pillars of Character, expect staff and students to do so as well, and truly care about children.

-- Understand curriculum and instruction, have budget experience, and be accountable for academic and fiscal success.

-- Show professionalism and a collaborative management style.

-- Build positive and open relationships with board members, staff, students, community and elected leaders.

-- Support diversity, strengthen programs to address the achievement gap and the needs of ESL students, and have experience meeting federal No Child Left Behind requirements.