PLUM, Pa. — A grand jury heard testimony Thursday morning from a former Plum school board member as an investigation continues into several high school teachers.
The grand jury hearing took place in Dormont. Former school board member Joe Tommarello testified.
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Although Tommarello could not discuss what he told the grand jury, he provided the following statement as he left: “I'm grateful for the opportunity provided by the district attorney today to help justice prevail, to hopefully end the corruption that's happening in the Plum School District.”
Tommarello resigned in June, saying that he had lost confidence in the district’s leadership. He also claimed to have warned administrators about a possible inappropriate relationship between teacher Joseph Ruggieri and a student.
The grand jury will decide whether school officials reported the allegations in a timely manner.
Ruggieri and former teacher Jason Cooper are accused of having sexual relationships with students. A third teacher, Drew Zoldak, is accused of intimidating one of the victims.
Cooper and Zoldak are out of jail and waiting their next day in court.
Ruggieri is in jail facing a second set of intimidation of witness charges. His next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 14.
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