Dear Editor:

As you may know I'm a newly elected Panther Valley School Board Director. Over the past two months of my term I have stepped up to be the board secretary, and also the representative to the JOC committee for the CCTI. I may note that I was unanimously appointed to both of these positions by my fellow board members. I would also like to make it clear that I stepped up because nobody else would with the exception of Mr. Demarco and Mr. Markovich who are currently serving as officers, Mr. Hiles who has given many years of service in these positions, and newly appointed Mr. Zabroski.I ran for the school board with full knowledge of the hostile atmosphere that currently existed on the board. I have no problem with speaking my mind and following my conscience when it comes to making tough decisions (I have my Irish- German decent to thank for those qualities) and I truly believe that is why I had the support of the voters in the Nov. election.I have been raised in a military family by two loving and supportive parents that have been married for over 50 years. I have a degree in physical therapy from Penn State University with which I worked for 10 years primarily with the elderly until the third of my five daughters were born. I've learned from those patients that in your golden years just waking up every day was a blessing, and reaping havoc on the rest of the world was the furthest thing from their minds. I have been raised to respect my elders as a God fearing Christian does, however I can tell you that at this point in my life Mr. Angst has earned my disrespect.As an elected official you are there for the greater good and not for personal agendas. I am there to make sure that taxpayers money is being used responsibly and that the children are being educated to their fullest potential. Unfortunately, it appears this isn't the case with Mr. Angst. Instead of letting the board conduct business in order to keep the district stable and running, he seems to find any way to distract focus from the real issues and finds any way to divert the attention onto himself.It was brought to my attention on the morning of Feb. 24 that there was a disturbing post on a fellow School Board members' blog regarding me. Mr. Angst stated that the Summit Hill police should be present at the next public school board meeting to ensure my personal safety because he fully intended to "attack" me.Mr. Angst apparently has no boundaries as demonstrated by using the word "attack" against a fellow elected official. Remember age is no excuse for ignorance however; Mr. Angst plays this card every time he has verbally demeaned individuals or released confidential information. He also conveniently has selective hearing when it works to his advantage.I ask the taxpayers When is enough …enough? Do we continue to keep the taxpayers and the students best interests held hostage while some individuals are entertained by Mr. Angst's rants, insults and violations of the PSBA Code of Ethics or do we bring the PANTHER PRIDE back by standing up to this attention seeking individual? I know the next school board election is two years away; however I would like to urge voters to start attending board meetings now so they can see the antics that go on. I am aware many individuals vote for candidates as a "joke", but may I remind them the only "real joke" is on the taxpayers and especially the CHILDREN in the end.Yes, my husband and I are among the younger generation who are willing to step up and try to make a difference no matter how small as long as the outcome is positive. We make no apologies for being concerned about the future of the students, taxpayers and community. I have learned that you only make enemies when you have the courage to stand up for something you believe in. I believe in PANTHER VALLEY! I also believe that good always prevails over evil, so rest assured citizens of the Panther Valley the majority of the board has your back, and we will continue to fight the good fight!Unlike Mr. Angsts' blog I am open to feedback concerning the Panther Valley School District and our focus on bringing back "PANTHER PRIDE".Respectfully,Michelle MarkovichMmarkovich7@hotmail.com