Cheltenham School Board Approves 'Monitor' For Controversial Superintendent
By Brad Segall
CHELTENHAM, Pa. (CBS) -- In what may be an unprecedented move, the school board in Cheltenham, Pa. has approved a resolution to hire a "monitor" for the controversial schools superintendent, presumably to keep an eye on her performance.
The details are vague, but a statement from the school district says the board approved the engagement of a superintendent monitor and authorized compensation for former superintendent Dr. William Kiefer to fulfill those duties.
Parents, educators, and staff have recently questioned the leadership abilities of Dr. Natalie Thomas, who took over the district 18 months ago, leading to what some call a "district in disarray."
Parent Rachel Ezekiel-Fishbein is pleased the board is listening and took action.
"There's always been a sense in Cheltenham that we work together, that the administration and the educators and all of the staff together with parents, who are very strong advocates, work for the best interest of the students," she told KYW Newsradio.
Thomas has clashed with the teachers' union and administrators over several staff changes and departures from the district.
What exactly Kiefer will be doing has not been clarified publicly by the board.