The Scranton School District is investigating whether an incoming school director tried to use her elected position to get her husband a coaching job.
Tara Yanni, who ran unopposed in Tuesday’s election, approached members of the board’s personnel committee and asked if they could accept her husband’s application after the deadline had passed this summer, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
After the directors — Tom Borthwick and Greg Popil — refused to help, Yanni went to the human resources office, where she asked that her husband, Rich, be considered for the West Scranton High School assistant baseball coach job. Unsuccessful, she expressed a desire to serve on the personnel committee when she takes her seat on the board, said the sources, who spoke to The Times-Tribune on the condition of anonymity, citing the open investigation.
District policy prohibits nepotism in the selection, hiring and assignment process. Under the state’s Ethics Act, a conflict of interest exists when people use the authority of their public offices for the financial benefit of themselves or their immediate family members.
Through her lawyer, Yanni denied the allegations Thursday.
“It’s a shame,” her attorney, Richard Fanucci, said. “She’s distraught this is even an issue. It’s completely untrue. She denies it all. Clearly, not everyone is happy with the election results. This is proof of that.”
After solicitor John Audi completes his investigation, he could forward the results to the state ethics commission, the sources said. Audi said he had no comment. Popil and Borthwick also said they could not comment.
Fanucci said his client received nothing in writing and questioned the district’s ability to investigate a private citizen.
“Everyone who knows Tara will attest that this type of allegation flies directly in the face of her good character and integrity,” Fanucci said. “It’s a shame people in the district want to play old-school politics.”
Yanni is one of four newcomers set to take seats on the board Dec. 3. Running with the promise of being a financial watchdog, Yanni beat both Borthwick and Popil in May’s primary election.
“As a new board member in December, Tara will remain steadfast to work with the new administration to bring back integrity and trust within the Scranton School District and will not be deterred by false and frivolous allegations intended to derail and intimidate her,” Fanucci said.
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