The youngest elected official in the U.S. when he first won in November 2011 announced on Oct. 9 his immediate resignation from the Daniel Boone Area School Board.
Connor Kurtz resigned to accept a job at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C.
He will continue to advise and manage the Reading-area communications consulting business, Kurtz Strategic Communications.
Board members recognized his six years on the board and his efforts to keep property taxes stable while increasing students’ educational opportunities.
“I am very proud to have served with you,” said board President Michael D. Wolfe, adding, “We wish you success in your future endeavors.”
Kurtz made national news when he was elected to the school board at age 18 in 2011.
At age 17, he won both the Republican and Democratic primary elections for Amity Township’s Region 1 while he was still a junior in high school.
“I liked influencing board decisions,” said Kurtz, adding that the timing has worked out but he will miss serving on the board.
“My achievements on the school board include: fulfilling my campaign promise to hold the line on tax increases in my first [four year] term.”
His resignation comes halfway through his second four-year term in office.
“I more than doubled the number of Advanced Placement courses offered at the Daniel Boone Area High School, without sacrificing instructional quality.”
Kurtz also expanded public access to school district records.
“Another of my achievements include recognizing the achievements of outstanding students, staff, alumni, and community members through new district initiatives.”
In his six years on the board, Kurtz served as acting vice president, treasurer, secretary, and on the committees of Revenue Enhancement and Transportation.
He also served as chairman on the Curriculum & Instruction, Policy Review, and Personnel committees.
While on the board, Kurtz served on the board of directors for the Berks County Intermediate Unit and for the Berks Earned Income Tax Bureau.
Before being elected in November 2011, he was treasurer of the school district from July to December 2013.
“I first became interested in politics in middle school after reading, “An American Life: Ronald Reagan,” and started attending school board meetings in 2009-2010.”
For students who may be interested in following in Kurtz’s footsteps, he recommended that students “try to learn as much as they can, re-evaluate their opinions, and think about all people involved: taxpayers, employees, students, parents, people without kids, senior citizens, and fellow board members.”
