Petition to Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday

Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve answers about how their money is being spent, who is influencing decisions in their schools, and whether public resources have been used for personal or private interests.

Thousands of records obtained through Right-to-Know requests, court proceedings, and financial audits have raised serious concerns regarding Phil and Trisha Martell’s activities and relationships involving multiple Pennsylvania school districts, including:

• Elizabeth Forward School District
• River Valley School District
• Monessen City School District
• Connellsville Area School District

River Valley’s 2024–2025 financial audit raises additional concerns. Reported findings include a $966,782 budget deficit, five material weaknesses, six significant deficiencies, and $220,000 transferred from student activity accounts to support payroll. Questions have also been raised about the accuracy of financial information provided to the school board during Phil Martell’s administration.

Beyond the audit, public records raise questions about:

• Taxpayer resources: Whether district-paid time, travel, equipment, and personnel were used for unauthorized activities or private interests.
• Vendor relationships: Potential conflicts of interest involving educational programs, technology companies, contractors, subcontractors, and outside organizations.
• School district influence: The extent of the Martells’ involvement in district operations, decisions, and educational initiatives.
• Student information: Whether outside individuals and organizations had appropriate authorization to access student information or implement educational programs.
• Public records: The use of personal email accounts for district business and concerns about the withholding or preservation of public records.
• Harassment and retaliation: Reports of anonymous communications, online attacks, and letters sent to citizens’ employers after they questioned school district activities or filed public records requests.

What We Are Demanding

We respectfully call on the Pennsylvania Attorney General to conduct an independent review and determine whether a criminal investigation is warranted into:

• Phil and Trisha Martell’s activities and relationships involving these school districts.
• River Valley’s financial audit findings, including whether a forensic audit is necessary.
• Potential misuse of taxpayer funds, conflicts of interest, and improper vendor relationships.
• Allegations of harassment, intimidation, or retaliation against citizens seeking government transparency.
• Any additional school officials, businesses, vendors, or organizations implicated by the evidence.

These concerns deserve an independent investigation—not speculation, political influence, or continued unanswered questions.

This petition does not presume anyone is guilty of wrongdoing. It asks that the evidence be examined, the facts established, and appropriate action taken if violations are found.

Taxpayers deserve accountability. Parents deserve transparency. Citizens deserve the right to ask questions without fear of retaliation.

Public Money. Public Schools. Public Accountability.

Sign this petition to request an independent investigation.