The Friends of Renton Schools Fund (FoRS) was established in 2009 by a group of volunteers, educators, business owners, civic leaders and community volunteers concerned about the ongoing problems arising from state and federal education budget deficits and the impact that these funding gaps have on the quality of public education in the Renton School District (RSD). Now, more than ever, it is critical that we mobilize EVERYONE to invest in our schools and students.
The 14,500 students in the Renton School District are our most valuable resource. But, education does not just impact students and teachers - the quality of our schools is directly related to the vitality of our community as a whole. Support for our students and schools, right now, is not only a wise investment, but imperative to the future of our neighborhoods and businesses, and for the quality of life in Renton. Having great schools increases pride in our community; increases home and commercial real estate values; provides a trainable and educated workforce; produces more affluent consumers; and reduces crime. Students today become the voters of tomorrow in a world with issues that are increasingly more complex and their future votes will impact everyone. Our goal is to keep effective programs from being cut; help reduce class sizes; and to provide teachers and staff with the resources they need.
Like other Puget Sound area schools foundations, Friends of Renton Schools helps to bridge the funding gap by seeking contributions from corporate and small business donors, individual donors, and grants. We work collaboratively with the RSD to establish funding priorities, but we do not set curriculum or district policies. As a Fund under the Renton Community Foundation, a publicly registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, contributions made to Friends of Renton Schools are tax deductible, where allowed by law, and directly benefit the students of the Renton School District (RSD).