Plum School Board Member Resigns Amid Sex Scandal

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A Plum School Board member has resigned, citing differences between himself and the district over handling of the investigations into alleged sexual relations between two teachers and students at the high school.

Joseph Tommarello sent in his letter of resignation to the board June 5.

PDF: Click here to read the full resignation letter

In his letter, Tommarello writes, "Over the past four months, our district has been plagued with scandal & hardship. I believe that our school administration & school board directors did not handle these situations properly, showing a true lack of leadership."

He goes on to say he warned the board three years ago that one of the teachers currently charged, may have been involved with a student.

"I believe that without change in the high school administration & school board, no citizen will feel comfortable sending their children to our district," he added.

The school board responded with a letter following his resignation, stating its disappointment over Tommarello's departure.

"It is disheartening that he has chosen to abandon his post at this time and that he is not being fully transparent about his lack of commitment and involvement as a director of our Board," writes Plum School Board President Sal Colella in the letter.

The letter goes on to say that Tommarello's warning about the teacher is "not completely factual."

Colella says that when Tommarello first brought the situation to the board's attention three years ago, an immediate investigation was done and the allegations were dismissed.

"If that's true, so be it, but maybe the police should have gotten involved then. Maybe they should have conducted an investigation themselves," Tommarello said. "Right now, the school district is in damage control and the first thing they're going to do is discredit those who antagonize the district."

While the district went on to say they're disappointed in Tommarello's decision to resign, they say they saw it coming. Tommarello said it wasn't an easy decision.

"I love serving the community. Plum is a fantastic school district," Tommarello said.

A special meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. to formally accept Tommarello's resignation.

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