A former Panther Valley school director has returned to fill a vacant seat on the board.

School board members appointed Anthony DeMarco, of Nesquehoning, during a meeting Wednesday night.

He replaces Bill Mansberry, who resigned last month.

DeMarco previously served more than a decade on the board in the 2000s and 2010s, including a stint as board president.

He left the board when his work schedule prevented him from attending meetings. He said that he is once again ready to give the job the dedication it requires.

“You need to give your full attention as a board member, to the taxpayers, students and staff,” he said.

Board members received two letters of interest for the position. President Danny Matika said DeMarco’s experience was a factor in the board’s selection.

“We leaned on that,” he said.

DeMarco will serve out the remainder of Mansberry’s term, which ends in December 2023.

He’s the second new board member in three months. In July, Pat Leonzi replaced Gary Porembo, who moved out of the area.

Mansberry resigned because of health reasons. He served as the board’s treasurer.

Superintendent David McAndrew Jr. said that Mansberry will be difficult to replace.

“Bill is a die-hard Panther Valley guy. We’re definitely going to miss him,” McAndrew said.

DeMarco pointed to school funding as the major issue facing the board. The district’s lawsuit against state lawmakers for fair funding dates back to his previous stint on the board. But since he left, Panther Valley has lost KME and other businesses, while every district across the state has faced increased costs.

“Our key is funding, but as board members we have to be mindful of the taxpayer base,” he said.