Former Palmerton Area School Board member Magin Gursky on Wednesday contradicted statements made by board member Earl Paules about her resignation, clarifying in her resignation letter that professional commitments, not board conflicts, prompted her departure.

Gursky, who was elected to her first term in November, also made clear that Paules was not authorized to speak on her behalf and that she was not influenced by him in seeking the board position.

“I sought this position independently to contribute to the future of our children,” Gursky wrote in her resignation letter “While Mr. and Mrs. Paules included my name on their campaign materials for public awareness, this was their decision and does not imply any undue influence. I remain an independent individual with my own convictions.”

During Tuesday’s board meeting, Paules told board members and the public that Gursky left because of board divisions, specifically citing the censure motion against him that was on the same meeting agenda.

“One of the reasons Magin left was because of the division,” he said. “I know the Gurskys my whole entire life. She did not like being put on the spot to censure somebody that she knew her whole entire life. She did not like that. She doesn’t like the drama,” Paules said.

However, Gursky’s resignation letter cited entirely different reasons for stepping down.

“Due to a recent change in my professional commitments, I am no longer able to devote the time necessary to fulfill my responsibilities to the board and the community,” she wrote.

Gursky did acknowledge that board dysfunction affected her ability to serve effectively, though she framed it differently than Paules suggested.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served, even for a short period,” Gursky wrote. “Unfortunately, a significant portion of my tenure was occupied by a situation that predated my service, which prevented us from addressing many student-related matters. I hope this matter is resolved soon so that the board can refocus on student education and operate as a unified body.”

She expressed gratitude to voters and apologized for being unable to continue in the role.

In closing, Gursky thanked specific board members and administrators for their assistance during her brief tenure.

“I wish the board and the district continued success,” Gursky wrote. “I would like to thank Angela (Friebolin) for her assistance, and Brandon (Mazepa), Sherry (Haas), and Dr. (Dan) Heaney for their warm welcome and for sharing insights into the board’s broader responsibilities.”

The board unanimously accepted Gursky’s resignation during Tuesday’s meeting and the district is accepting applications through Friday to fill the vacant seat.