Concerned Taxpayer Group Hopes for Better Education Spending

About a year or so ago, a group of concerned taxpayers banded together to form Rose Tree Media Taxpayers United (RTMTU). The non-partisan group is made up of both working and retired professionals in the district who have one common goal. They want to ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent wisely and appropriately toward educating children in the area.

John Bartholomeo, who is a former school board candidate, is at the helm of RTMTU.

Bartholomeo says he believes, "it’s time for smarter financial management of the school board as it relates to providing the biggest bang for the taxpayer buck in educating the kids of the district. We decided to come together, form a committee, and attend meetings to figure out exactly what is going on, on behalf of the taxpayers here."

RTMTU tackles a host of tough issues, including teacher pension funds, teacher salaries and benefit programs, stopping strikes and bond spending.

"We are concerned with the tax debt, the rolling over of bonds and how the finances are spent, and hope to figure out solutions to promote better spending," says Bartholomeo.

The group is relatively new, and is actively seeking more members and more opinions.

"We are trying to keep taxpayers updated, and there is so much information on our website so people can stay informed. A lot of people seem interested, and we’ve gotten a lot of hits on the site, much from word of mouth," says Bartholomeo.

RTMTU is hoping to work toward electing board members who are sensitive to the, "historic escalation of the budget and its effect on taxpayers, to increase awareness of the board’s activities by encouraging increased attendance at the meetings and the broadcast of those meetings on public access channels," according to the group’s website.

Bartholomeo goes on to say that once the board is established, and the membership numbers grow, RTMTU hopes to become a force in influencing state office holders to support legislation that helps reach their mission.

"We try to present all sides as best as possible. Our focus is the school board, and next we’re going to try to put pressure on the state to get changes made," he says.

To find out how you can become a part of RTMTU, or to leave a comment, visit their website.