Pittston school district sued
PITTSTON - The parents of a Pittston Area middle school student have filed a federal lawsuit against the district and its superintendent, claiming Kelli Diaz, a middle school teacher with prior disciplinary issues, bullied a boy in September.
The lawsuit claims the district retaliated against the victim's parents after they made the allegations, forcing the child to be home-schooled for five months. In addition to seeking monetary damages, the suit demands public disclosure of the "secret settlement agreement" with Ms. Diaz and for the child to be allowed back to school without having interaction with Ms. Diaz.
Pittston school might close
PITTSTON - Pittston Area School District will hold a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, at the Pittston Area Primary Center, 210 Rock St., Hughestown, to discuss the possibility of closing Ben Franklin Kindergarten Center.
Superintendent Michael Garzella said the building, which currently houses about 270 kindergarten and pre-kindergarten students, is the oldest in the district and needs a new heating system and roof.
HUD fund secured
WILKES-BARRE - Luzerne County will receive $9.76 million from the federal department of Housing and Urban Development to assist in recovery from 2011 disasters from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee flooding. The grant was part of $47.38 million allocated statewide.
The latest funding will be added to $15.7 million Luzerne County secured last year from the same source.
Luzerne director candidate named
WILKES-BARRE - Luzerne County Manager Robert Lawton has nominated Richard M. Cardamone, 35, to be the first home-rule director of the county budget and financial services division. He served as director of the Bureau of Commonwealth Accounting from 2005 to 2012. He currently lives in Archbald.
Dems OK'd for Pittston ballot
WILKES-BARRE - Luzerne County President Judge Thomas F. Burke Jr. ruled Wednesday two Democrats running for Pittston mayor and city council can be on the primary election ballot.
Outgoing Councilman Joe Chernouskas filed court petitions to keep mayoral hopeful Gene M. Rooney Jr. and council candidate Barb Zangre from being listed on the ballot. Mr. Chernouskas and his attorney Joseph F. Castellino said they will discuss whether to file an appeal of Burke's decision.