The former instructor of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp has filed a civil suit against the Panther Valley School District and its board of directors alleging a breach of contract in his firing from the position as JROTC instructor and teacher. Monetary damages are sought.

Retired Maj. Kenneth Markovich, of 2354 Bunting St., Pottsville, filed the action in the county this week seeking damages in excess of $75,000, interest, delay damages compensatory damages, attorney's fees and other relief as the court deems just and equitable.The suit, filed by Attorney Michael J. Fiorillo of Pottsville, contains numerous allegations alleging the district violated the terms of Markovich's contract and violated its own policies concerning his employment.The suit includes a copy of the contract with the district, the faculty handbook and other school district policies concerning employment.In all the suit has 121 pages of materials.The suit also includes references to former Superintendent Rosemary Porembo, high school Principal Joseph Gunnels and former school board member J. Mickey Angst.The suit alleges Porembo contacted the Department of the U.S. Army Cadet Command to complain about Markovich, including whether he was properly certified and also concerned that he was out on workers' compensation leave and, as such, not available to work in his position as Senior JROTC instructor. Gunnels, according to the suit, contacted the Army and expressed several concerns he had with Markovich's ability to operate the JROTC.It also states Angst "shouted out" Markovich's name at a public school board meeting during a discussion about an employee on leave and also posted it on his blog before the meeting. The suit alleges that violated the "just cause" provision of the teachers contract.The suit also lists 11 policies adopted by the district which were violated in the Markovich case and lists 16 allegations of violations of policy and the contract made by the district in the matter.Markovich was hired as the JROTC instructor in 2009 after 24 years in the Pennsylvania National Guard. The suit notes in May 2012 Markovich injured his Achilles tendon and went on workers' compensation leave.While he was on leave, Porembo contacted the Army concerning his certification, the suit states. In September 2012 Gunnels contacted the Army with his concerns. Markovich returned to work in November 2012.At a board meeting on Feb. 28, 2013, Markovich was placed on administrative leave with pay. At a June 2013 meeting the board terminated Markovich's employment.This is the second suit filed by Markovich against the district and the school board. In 2014 Markovich filed a federal lawsuit claiming his civil rights were violated when Angst released his name to the public. In that suit in addition to the school board, Porembo and Angst are specifically named. In that suit he also seeks $75,000 in damages.