RTM thanks its community advisory board

MIDDLETOWN » The Rose Tree Media community engagement advisory group may have been assembled for one purpose, but its work will have a lasting effect.

The 22-member panel, composed of parents, business leaders, senior citizens and non-public school families, was created to ensure broad-based participation in the taxpayer forums held earlier this year. The committee then worked with the Penn Project for Civic Engagement to compile the findings which the school board referenced in completing the 2017-2018 budget.

“We want to thank you for all the hard work and many hours you devoted,” said Finance Committee Chairman Bill O’Donnell. “We can use your report in regard to decisions for years to come.”

The account, which amassed the remarks of more than 500 residents, highlighted specific themes such minimizing cuts that directly affect students, maintaining class size, electives and clubs as keys to the district’s identity and a willingness to provide financial support. The participants also stressed the need for increased transparency to build trust and long-term fiscal planning and projections.

“This is not a throw-away report, but one that will be read over and over and used,” said school board Vice President Liz Schneider. “We heard your request to stay involved and we went to keep you involved as we go forward.”