Pocono News Section

W-B Area School Board President Charged

W-B Area School Board President Charged - Monday, May 18, 2009 at 6:30PM EST

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- The former president of the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board has signed a plea agreement, admitting he accepted $2,000 to help an unnamed contractor land a bid with the district, according to the U. S. Attorney's Office.
Height, 53, abruptly resigned his post on the board last week and dropped plans for reelection. Height could spend 15 to 21 months in jail, a reduced term, in exchange for his anticipated cooperation. Last week, WBRE Eyewitness News attempted to contact Height. He was seen running inside his home after a reporter approached his Wilkes-Barre home.

Last month, Wilkes-Barre Area School Board Member Brian Dunn was charged with accepting tens of thousands of dollars related to helping contractors land bids in the district. Dunn has not publicly commented. He is free on bail.

Pittston Area Superintendent Ross Scarantino was also charged last month in a contract kickback scheme. His court appearance, previously scheduled for last week, was moved to June.