A newly elected school board member in Penn Hills said he welcomes an investigation into the district’s financial situation.
The Penn Hills School District, which is more than $170 million in debt, is facing a grand jury investigation.
Michael Tauro, who was one of four new members of the school board, said he wanted to be part of changing the school district for the better.
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"We used to be admired in the county. Now people just shake their heads,” Tauro said.
Sources have told Channel 11 the district’s financial problems could be criminal, and a grand jury is now investigating the district for possibly improperly spending taxpayer dollars.
RELATED: 11 Investigates: Penn Hills district finances under investigation by grand jury
"It disgusts me to be honest with you,” Tauro said. "I just have to look at everything and assess it and apply some common sense to it."
Tauro said he is also angry with the district’s decision to spend millions of dollars on new school buildings, despite having no way to pay for them. He said he welcomes the district attorney’s investigation, saying he welcomes charges being filed if they’re warranted.
"You spent my tax dollars and the other residents of Penn Hills recklessly. You need to pay,” Tauro said.
Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for continuing coverage.