Resident criticizes school board over litigation and spending during public comment

Thomas Aliotta used his allotted public-comment time at the Aug. 18 Mill Creek Township School District Board meeting to raise allegations that the district and certain public officials improperly used taxpayer funds in extended litigation and failed to notify the public.

Aliotta referred to a court order by Judge Brabender and said the “Aliota case” was unique in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He accused officials of continuing litigation for more than five years and said two insurance companies had denied defense coverage, leaving taxpayers to absorb legal costs. Aliotta said the conduct constituted violations of law and of school directors’ oaths of office and suggested those actions raised the possibility of criminal negligence and personal professional liability.

“How do you school board directors, superintendents, past and present administrators defend your position in front of a jury?” Aliotta asked. He also pressed whether board members had read deposition transcripts of personnel.

Aliotta told the board he respected Solicitor Julia Herzing, but said he had not observed a “weaponization of a school board” in six decades of practice and urged the board and the public to consider the legal and ethical implications of the decisions that led to litigation and costs.

The board did not take action on Aliotta’s charges during the meeting. Board chair Mary J. Winshell and other members proceeded with agenda business. Aliotta closed by urging parents, teachers and community members to stay informed and exercise free speech.

This account summarizes statements made during the public-comment period; allegations mentioned by Aliotta were presented as his assertions and were not substantiated in the meeting record.