Our Mission

The Rumson Education Board (REF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1995 whose mission is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience of all Deane-Porter and Forrestdale School students. Through community fundraising and an annual collaborative grant process, the REF provides funding for innovative projects, initiatives and equipment that enrich the curriculum and the learning environment within the Rumson School District.

Since its inception in 1995 the REF has funded $3.5M in grants. Established as a means to close the gap between what our district budget can cover, and the needs of our students, teachers, administrators, the REF is committed to fostering an environment of excellence in our schools

Every student in Deane Porter and Forrestdale directly benefits from the positive impact of the Rumson Education Foundation’s grants, which have included: a $498,000 Chromebook and tablet technology project, district-wide wireless upgrades to accept this new technology, a $250,000 state-of-the-art science lab, a $75,000 S.T.E.M. Innovation Classroom and maker-spaces, multi-media centers, a greenhouse, ELMO projectors, teacher laptops, world language programs, physical education equipment, art supplies and tools, musical instruments, an audio visual live broadcasting system, performing arts sound systems, life-saving defibrillators, and Smart Boards.