The Rose Tree Media School Board is responsible for establishing policies and the District's strategic direction. The actions of the School Board impact the quality of schools and the community.

The powers and duties of the School Board are derived from the State Constitution and Pennsylvania School Code. The School Board’s primary responsibilities are described in Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) Principles for Governance and Leadership and are summarized below.

Support the District’s Mission and Evaluate Progress Toward Goals. The District is guided by its mission, strategic plan, and associated goals. The School Board is responsible for monitoring progress toward achieving these goals.

Establish and Maintain District Policies. Policies provide the foundation for the operation of the District. District policies are reviewed regularly by the Administration and School Board. As needed, revisions may occur and new policies may be created.

Provide Responsible, Fiscal Oversight. The School Board is responsible for the approval of an annual budget. Throughout the year, the Board approves contracts and purchases. It must also consider short and long-term goals and the budget necessary to implement a high-quality educational program. Taxes are levied and bonds are issued as needed.

Hire, Oversee, and Evaluate Superintendent. The School Board must hire a Superintendent who will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the District, implementing policies, and overseeing educational programs. The Superintendent and School Board collaborate on developing performance goals and objectives, and the School Board conducts an annual evaluation of the Superintendent’s performance.

Serve as Community Leaders and Advocates. School Board members serve as advocates for public education, placing the needs of students and the community at the forefront of decision-making.

Conducting the Work of the Board

According to law, School Board business must occur in public at regularly scheduled meetings. Learn about the types of meetings here. 

Work Sessions: The School Board holds monthly Work Sessions to carry out its responsibilities. At Work Sessions, the School Board’s standing committees conduct the work of the Board. Standing committees function as “committees of the whole” (all Board members serve on all standing committees). Standing committees currently include:  

• Education & Wellness Committee
• Finance & Operations Committee
• Human Resources Committee

Legislative Meetings: Legislative Meetings of the School Board are held monthly to take action on items before the Board.

Members of the community are welcome and encouraged to attend Work Sessions and Legislative Meetings. Explore the  Connect with Us page to learn how community members can view the work of the Board at Work Sessions and make public comments at Work Sessions and Legislative Meetings. 

Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act (Open Meetings Law)

The RTM School Board complies with Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act (Open Meetings Law). As described by the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records, the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §§ 701-716, requires agencies to deliberate and take official action on agency business in an open and public meeting. It requires that meetings have prior notice and that the public can attend, participate, and comment before an agency takes that official action.

Reorganization of the School Board

Annually, during the first week of December, the School Board holds a Reorganization Meeting. During the Reorganization Meeting, the School Board elects a president and vice president, adopts a meeting calendar for the year, appoints committees and other Board positions, and swears in newly elected members.