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Cheltenham schools hire ex-chief for $112 an hour

William Kiefer is poised for his second act with the Cheltenham Township School District. Or is it his third, fourth, or even fifth?

William Kiefer is poised for his second act with the Cheltenham Township School District. Or is it his third, fourth, or even fifth?

In any event, this one pays $112 an hour.

Kiefer served as acting superintendent for the district until June 30. At a special meeting July 21, he was appointed the district's real estate consultant, a new temporary position.

District officials would not elaborate on what project or projects Kiefer will consult on.

"All real estate matters are confidential," district spokeswoman Susan O'Grady said Wednesday.

Kiefer will collect about $900 a day, according to his contract. The temporary job, not to exceed 112 hours, will run through Aug. 31.

According to data from the Public School Employees' Retirement System, Kiefer collects $12,808.35 a month - more than $150,000 annually - in pension benefits.

Kiefer served as Cheltenham's superintendent from 2006 to 2010 after working more than 30 years in the schools.

He briefly served as interim principal of Myers Elementary School in 2012 when Andrew Kuhn departed to become head of Cheltenham High School. Kiefer returned to the administration in December 2014 to "monitor" embattled Superintendent Natalie Thomas. He assumed the role of interim superintendent in January after the school board fired Thomas.

Asked why the district did not hire a professional real estate consultant, O'Grady said Kiefer had been "involved in a conversation regarding real estate." She declined to be more specific.

Kiefer might also offer guidance to newly appointed Superintendent Wagner Marseille, O'Grady said. She said that there was no precedent for keeping a former superintendent on staff to assist an incoming district chief.

The district is about to begin construction on a $50 million new Cedarbrook Middle School and open a new Wyncote Elementary School in September. In addition, discussions continue on whether to refurbish the Elkins Park School.

"Dr. Kiefer had started a project and he was trying to see that project through," O'Grady said. "It may not even be in the works anymore. He was brought on board to either wrap up a conversation or provide [help] for the transition."

Kiefer, 71, could not be reached for comment.

David Cohen, a township resident and candidate for the township's school board in the November election, expressed reservations about Kiefer's appointment.

"I understand that Dr. Kiefer was involved in real estate discussions in his role as acting superintendent, and I appreciate the benefits of continuity," Cohen said. "However, I do have questions about what expertise he has in the area of real estate."

215-854-2796@samwoodiii