WHEATLAND — Conrad Chaffee was tapped for a third time Tuesday night to serve as an interim school administrator — this time a repeat performance at Wheatland Center School.

Chaffee, an administrator at Paris School for 28 years, seems to be the go-to guy in his retirement when local school districts need a temporary leader. He filled this need for Wheatland in 2005 and also filled in as an interim administrator at Salem School.

“The board is excited to work with Mr. Chaffee,” said Wheatland School Board president Chris Serak. “He is a well-respected administrator, and he has a good understanding of the issues we are facing at Wheatland.”

Chaffee will take over for outgoing administrator Scott Huth. who publicly announced his impending departure earlier this week, citing both a long commute and increasing health issues.

Huth’s last day is today. Chaffee will start Thursday and has agreed to stay through June 30, 2010, if needed, Serak said.

“I’ve been in the Westosha area since 1973, and if there is help that is needed and I can do it, I will,” Chaffee said, adding he has no interest in serving any districts outside western Kenosha County.

Chaffee will need to hit the ground running. The district’s annual meeting is next week, and a referendum to exceed the revenue cap is quickly approaching.

Serak said the board will start looking for a permanent administrator as soon as possible.

“We realize many contracts extend through the school year, and the best possible candidates may not be available until the end of the school year,” Serak said.