Michael Straw — Rose Tree Media School District
This installment of our series of interviews with school director candidates across Pennsylvania brings us to the Rose Tree Media School District.
Michael Straw is running for school director in the Rose Tree Media School District, located in Delaware County. He is a registered Republican and works as a communications director.
Why are you running for school board?
I want to help bring a voice to the thousands of residents in the district who feel that they are not being heard in the classroom, as taxpayers, or as parents in the district. We need to be a voice for all residents and focus on providing a quality education for students in the district without pricing families and seniors out of their homes.
What are the most important issues facing your district?
The school district’s consistent tax hikes, lack of transparency, and the proposed K-1 center.
What is your professional background/experience? What skills would you bring to the board?
I am a Communications Director and previously worked for State Representative Chris Quinn as a legislative aide in his office. I have an understanding of how the government should work for residents in our community, and I understand the importance of communicating information about the district to not just students and parents, but taxpayers within the district.
Have you run for political office previously? Have you been politically active?
Yes, I have run for Media borough council previously, and I was elected and served as one of the Republican National Committee delegates in 2024 representing Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional district.
Are you running with other candidates?
Yes, Jagger Sladek, Zoe Colon, Kelly Smolcynski, and Michael Risser.
What is the most important role of the school board in your opinion?
The role of the board is to manage the administration of the district and ensure that our district’s students are excelling and prepared for the challenges ahead after they receive their education in the district.
Please list any campaign websites and social media sites.
United Voices for RTM Facebook
We contacted the Democratic and Republican committees in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, and Montgomery counties and asked them to share the questions with their school director candidates. Broad + Liberty will post the responses throughout the summer to assist voters in learning about the candidates running in their district. The series is open to any school director on the ballot in November. Please contact barosica@broadandliberty.com for more information.
