Meet FORUS tonight

Members of Friends of Ramona Unified Schools (FORUS) say it’s time for a public meeting to tell the community who they are, what they’ve done, what they plan to do, and how others can get involved.

The meeting will be in Room A3 at Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Lane, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. All are welcome.

When Ramona Unified School District’s 2012 bond bid failed, several Ramona residents discussed bridging the gap between student needs and district finances. They focused on health and safety projects and have since raised money for everything from vandal-proof soap dispensers in all secondary student bathrooms to hiring a district-approved roofer to patch leaky roofs.

Voter rejection of the district’s $40 million school bond bid last month boosted the group’s determination. Having received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the federal government and having “wet their feet” on several projects, FORUS members say they are ready to ask others to join the effort.

School trustees last month asked for a needs assessment and a recommended project list from district officials. Ed Anderson, maintenance and grounds supervisor for the district, and Assistant Superintendent David Ostermann plan to present trustees with a recommended priority list of projects as well as an overview of the maintenance and grounds department at the school board meeting Thursday, Dec. 18. That public meeting will be in the Wilson Administrative Center, 720 Ninth St., at 7 p.m.

FORUS members are interested in learning what projects the trustees approve and in what priority to determine what their group can do. They have applied for a grant from the San Diego County Employees’ Charitable Organization for a heating and air-conditioning system in Ramona Elementary’s Multipurpose Room. Anderson recommended that as a worthy project for the school.

Cessna Memorial Golf Club has partnered with FORUS on a fundraising four-man scramble golf tournament at Mt. Woodson Golf Club on Jan. 15. Cost is $125 per golfer, and golfers may call 760-789-6823 to register. The price includes 18 holes of golf, cart, and closest to pin, long drive, lunch and cash awards for first-, second-, and third-place winning groups.

“The money will help provide much needed school improvements,” tournament organizers said. “Our kids deserve the best schools. Please help us support this worthy cause.”

School trustee Bob Stoody, one of the founding members of FORUS, serves as a liaison between FORUS and the district. All projects are approved by Anderson and Ostermann.

FORUS last week approved spending $500 for two hand dryers at Ramona High School. Anderson has heard pros and cons of using hand dryers rather than paper towels in student bathrooms.

“The only way to find out is to try it,” he said.

For more information about the upcoming meeting, call 760-207-9139 or 760-803-9706.