BARABOO, Wis. -- The principal who was fired from St. John's Lutheran School in April during a controversial meeting will be the principal at a new school opening in Baraboo.

John Hartwig was fired after he questioned the role of women in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and whether they should have more of a say.

Hartwig's family said he will be leading a new school in Baraboo, a school organized in just the last few months and opening this fall.

The school is opening because of the controversy that plagued St. John's Church, Hartwig's former employer, earlier this year, WISC-TV reported.

In March, Hartwig was fired from St. John's School because he distributed to church members documents, which were written by well-respected WELS pastors, questioning the treatment and role of women in the church, WISC-TV reported.

His firing led to several church meetings, where it was announced that women would not be allowed to speak. Many of Hartwig's biggest supporters in the church were women.

Hartwig's daughter said the meetings were unfair and her father didn't deserve to be fired.

The new school -- called the Community Christian School -- will be non-denominational and all affiliations will be welcome, Hartwig's family said.

John Hartwig himself could not be reached for comment but a family member said he's very excited about the position and hopes the new school will give parents a different option, considering what happened at St. John's Church.