Pittsburgh-Area School Board President Resigns After Criminal Charges

Woodland Hills School District to reorganize leadership after president accused of misusing credit card

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The president of the Woodland Hills School District board in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has resigned from her position after being charged with multiple felonies related to the alleged misuse of a district credit card. The district is now evaluating options for her continued service on the board, and is also addressing the uncertain status of the district superintendent, who has been on paid administrative leave since November.

Why it matters

The criminal charges against the school board president and the ongoing issues with the superintendent's status raise concerns about financial oversight and leadership within the Woodland Hills School District. This shakeup could have significant impacts on the district's operations and the education of its students.

The details

Terri Lawson, the 52-year-old former Rankin Borough manager and current Woodland Hills School Board president, has been charged with two counts of theft by deception, access device fraud, forgery, and tampering with records. She is accused of accumulating nearly $10,000 in charges on a district credit card that were used at a marijuana dispensary, restaurants, liquor stores, retailers, and to pay a utility bill. The criminal charges came less than a month after a state representative called for an investigation into possible misspending activities in the district.

  • On Wednesday, the Woodland Hills School District plans to reorganize the board president and vice president positions.
  • In November, the district superintendent, Joe Maluchnik, was placed on paid administrative leave for undisclosed reasons.

The players

Terri Lawson

The 52-year-old former Rankin Borough manager and current Woodland Hills School Board president who has been charged with multiple felonies related to the alleged misuse of a district credit card.

Joe Maluchnik

The superintendent of the Woodland Hills School District who has been on paid administrative leave since November for undisclosed reasons.

Abigail Salisbury

A state representative who called for an investigation into possible misspending activities in the Woodland Hills School District less than a month before the criminal charges against the board president.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Terri Lawson to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong financial oversight and accountability within school districts, as well as the need for transparent leadership that prioritizes the best interests of students. The ongoing issues with the school board president and superintendent raise concerns about the district's ability to effectively manage its resources and provide a high-quality education.