Pocono News Section

I-Team: Did Teachers Pay for Their Jobs?

I-Team: Did Teachers Pay for Their Jobs? - Friday, April 3, 2009 at 5:35PM EST

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- The I-Team broke the news that the Luzerne County Corruption investigation has extended into several Luzerne County school districts. We know more now on what the FBI was looking for in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District.
The FBI is looking into the hiring practices in Wilkes-Barre and other area school districts. The I-Team has learned that they are checking into whether some teachers paid for their jobs.

FBI agents have subpoenaed records from the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. They include school board meeting minutes and documents related to hiring practices. The I-Team has confirmed that records were taken from the district's administration building and the Wilkes-Barre Area Vo-Tech School.

We also know that teachers have been interviewed at several schools, including the Solomon Plains Elementary School. District officials will not comment and neither will the FBI. But sources close to the case tell the I-Team the school district probe has a direct link to the ongoing probe at the Luzerne County Courthouse.

As part of that investigation, 5 high-ranking officials, including two judges, are in trouble. We are told another high-ranking person is under the microscope of the FBI.

As word of the school probe spreads, so does public outrage and disgust. Andy Zunski said, "Well I think it's sad we’re entrusting these people to work for us, they were elected, we trusted them, and it just keeps happening more and more. It's sad."

The I-Team is told other school districts are being looked at by the FBI. This probe continues and more charges are expected soon.