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The following letter was sent to Pike County Dispatch from PCYC Board Member Ryan Jameson in
response to DV School Board Member John Kupillas, who opined that young people have immature
brains that would exclude them from serving on the school board.
To the editor,
I found it very discouraging and disheartening to read a letter last week from School Board member
John Kupillas who stated his opposition to a recent Delaware Valley graduate who applied for a
vacant spot on the board. Mr. Kupillas reasoned that, “The section of the brain responsible for
decision making and rational thinking doesn’t fully mature until the mid-twenties. Proof? Try to get
auto insurance if you are a teen. The risk is the highest of any age group.”
This argument is objectionable since it is fundamentally based on age and not on merit. The
candidate met the legal requirements for his candidacy, specifically being over the age of 18. Thus,
it is very troubling that Mr. Kupillas would seek to impose his own qualifications on this public office
and disregard the letter of the law.
Further, the argument itself is not only offensive but also surprisingly ignorant. Young people have
held public office across the country, and there is no reason to believe that they were any less
competent in their responsibilities. In fact, young people can bring knowledge and a fresh
perspective that will benefit the people whom they serve. One need not look any further than
Middletown, NY for an example of a recent graduate assuming a seat on a school board. Also
consider that over half of this country’s 20 most recent presidents first held office before age 35.
It is shocking that, of all people, a school board member would aim to actively exclude young people
who seek to involve themselves in decision-making and the democratic process. Young people’s
brains are developed enough to let us drive, vote, and even die in war (and, Mr. Kupillas, we’re doing
all three in record numbers lately). So I find it outrageous to claim that when it comes to having a
say in the affairs of the school district we all deeply care about, that our brains are then not able to
function as adequately.
I trust it is not true, as some suggest, Mr. Kupillas, that your comments were politically motivated.
So I hope that at the commencement ceremonies this year, upon presenting a diploma to Delaware
Valley graduates, you will be able to tell them in person that it will be a few years before their
undeveloped brains can fully partake in democracy. I am sure they will appreciate the wisdom from
your rational, mature brain. And perhaps some of the 3,122 registered Pike County voters aged 18-
24 will even send a personalized thank-you in the future.
Sincerely,
Ryan Jameson;
Chair of Civic Engagement, Pike County Youth Coalition
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