AMBRIDGE, Pa. -- Controversial comments set off fireworks at a school board meeting in Ambridge, Beaver County.

At Wednesday night’s school board meeting, Vice President William Scherfel apologized for saying a derogatory word about a gay straight alliance club.

He made the comment last week during a school board work session.

Channel 11 News reporter Gordon Loesch spoke with Scherfel. Scherfel said he's not even sure he said the word.

Loesch asked, “You're not even admitting that you said it? You don't know if you said it?”
William Scherfel said, “No, no. It would not be beyond me to use that word. It’s a word I heard growing up. I might have used the word."

Student Adam Smith said, “It wasn't heartfelt at all.”
Loesch asked, “So you don't believe he's really sorry for saying it?”
Smith said, “No, and I'm sure if he had the chance he'd say it again."

Scherfel said he will take full responsibility for his comments.