Pocono News Section

W-B School Board President Confronted

W-B School Board President Confronted - Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 11:10PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Wednesday, Oct 21, 2009 @ 11:10pm EDT

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- In an about face, Frank Pizzella stopped and answered questions from Eyewitness News on Wednesday night. Honoring his word to be available for inquiry about district business, Pizzella was careful to avoid any mention of his own corruption charge. The president of the school board has vowed to fight allegations he was instrumental in a pay-to-play scheme where teachers forked over cash for a position in the district. Pizzella was charged in September.

A full day earlier, and after a school board work session, Pizzella appeared to dodge waiting members of the media. A school district employee moved Pizzella's green Volkswagen Passat out of the school administration building parking lot to a nearby Turkey Hill. That employee returned a short time later and kept a close watch on reporters.

Pizzella on Wednesday night explained he was aggravated and left during a two hour closed-door session of the school board. Pizzella said he had no intention of dodging anyone. He said his car was moved because he wouldn't leave it in the administration parking lot out of fear he'd later find it "with no tires."

Pizzella reiterated he is always available for questions.