Updated 3:52 p.m. June 3.
A State College Area School Board member is moving out of state and will resign from his position later this month.
Dan Kolbe will step down effective June 18 because he and his family are relocating to Chicago for work, he wrote in his letter of resignation and said in brief remarks during Monday night’s board meeting. Kolbe, a Patton Township resident, was elected to his first four-year term on the board in 2023.
“This decision is not an easy one, as the work we do is deeply meaningful, and it has been incredibly rewarding to work alongside such a dedicated team,” Kolbe wrote. “Serving on the School Board has been a privilege, allowing me to engage with our talented teachers and staff, and see firsthand the positive impact they have on our community and students. As I move forward in my journey, I will continue to advocate for every child to have access to an education where they feel safe, valued, and seen.”
The remaining board members will be tasked with appointing an interim member within 30 days, as required by the state school code, and applications from interested registered voters who reside in the district will be accepted over a two-week period later this month, the district wrote after the meeting.
Interviews and a final selection are expected to occur in early July.
Because Kolbe will have served less than two years of his elected term, the appointee will fill the role until the Nov. 4 municipal election. The county Democratic and Republican parties will each be able to nominate a candidate to appear on the ballot for a two-year interim position that will begin in December, according to the district.
It will be the fifth State College Area School Board seat on the ballot in November. Four full-term board positions are also up for election this year, with four Democrats and two Republicans earning nominations in the primary.
.
