Top Stories

Embattled West Mifflin superintendent testifies at school board meeting

Channel 11 is the only station to cover tonight’s West Mifflin School Board hearing, where the future of embattled superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna has yet to be determined.

Dr. Castagna is on unpaid administrative leave after a number of accusations regarding his ethical decisions as superintendent, among them that he did not disclose the number of DUIs he has, although his attorney said he's been truthful and complied with the law.

A member of a local motorcycle club testified that Dr. Castagna never hired him to intimidate people at a school board meeting — an allegation that was brought up in previous hearings, according to reports in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

TRENDING NOW:

During the meeting, which lasted for several hours, Castagna said he had received threatening text messages before a previous meeting, and the school district's attorney insinuated Castagna brought members of the motorcycle club to that meeting.

The club member testified he was only there to discuss a book bag drive.

Several times during the hearing, audience members who supported Castagna spoke out loud -- one woman was even ejected from the meeting for making remarks.

Castagna's attorney told Channel 11 he's being targeted for political reasons.

"I wish I knew why this untruthful allegation was being forged against Dr. Castagna, but I will tell you, it's one of many that do not have merit," said Colleen Johnston.