About FORUS

​Friends of Ramona Unified Schools (FORUS) has its roots in early 2013. After Ramona Unified School District’s bond bid failed in November 2012, a small group of Ramona citizens met on March 11, 2013, to discuss, “What’s next?” and to share ideas that would lead to improving conditions at the schools.

Due to the economic downturn that began in late 2007, the school district had deferred maintenance to prevent the financial situation from affecting the classroom. This resulted in a laundry list of needs. A series of meetings led to the formation of FORUS with a nine-member board. Based on input from the district’s maintenance department, teachers, parents, students, and the community, several immediate needs surfaced: Roof repairs, vandal-proof soap dispensers in the secondary schools, water fountains, batteries for AED units, and functioning faucets.

A FORUS checking account was opened to accept donations, and the group tackled those needs one by one. On July 15, 2014, the group received tax-exempt status from the IRS as a nonprofit under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. FORUS also received approval as a California nonprofit corporation.

With the mantra “no politics,” the group is an independent group that holds fundraisers and accepts donations; 100 percent of the money raised goes toward projects that impact the health and safety of Ramona Unified School District students and staff. Among them are classroom emergency supplies, playgrounds, fencing, AED units, handheld radios, safe playground ground cover, safety ramp/sidewalk repairs, a ball wall recreation area, a tranquility garden and swing set for severely handicapped middle school students, new flooring for two kindergarten classes, an intercom system, special ed bathroom renovations, and eyewash stations. None of this would have been possible without the community’s support.

Public meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month during the school year at Montecito High School at 6 PM. All are welcome and encouraged to attend and get involved!

Founded 2013

After a bond bid failed in 2012, a small group of Ramona citizens came together and FORUS began. The group has worked diligently ever since bettering the schools or our town. If their message speaks to you, please join the cause.

Public meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month during the school year at Montecito High School at 6 PM. All are welcome and encouraged to attend and get involved.