Meet Richard Ramos
Richard S. Ramos’ parents, Felicitas and Candido Ramos, migrated to the San Fernando Valley with only a 6th and 3rd-grade education, determined to create opportunities for their children that they never had. Richard would attend San Fernando and Morningside Elementary, San Fernando Middle School, and Sylmar High School. Throughout his early education, Richard often felt like “a square peg in a round hole,” leading to encounters with authorities, teachers, and the police. He was later transferred to a continuation high school and became entangled in the juvenile justice system. Despite his challenging school experiences, Richard understood the value of education and ultimately earned his high school diploma from the Rinaldi Adult Center.
His pursuit of education continued as Richard attended LA Mission College and later CSUN. During his college years, Richard had a transformative realization: “I could make a difference.” In 1997, he returned to his alma mater, Morningside Elementary, as a teacher. Richard’s journey from a turbulent school life to becoming a successful teacher and principal is remarkable. In 1999, he embarked on a campaign for the San Fernando City Council. Richard worked with the council to bring significant improvements, including a world-class library and redeveloping blighted areas. He firmly believes in addressing pressing societal issues to create lasting empowerment for the communities he serves.
In his first role as a principal, Richard skillfully brought together parents, teachers, staff, and students to transform Haddon Elementary. The school rebranded, achieved academic gains, and gained recognition for innovative programs such as a debate team, DIY Girls Engineering, a traveling K-5 mariachi band, and a STEAM Magnet. Later, at Northridge Middle School, Richard oversaw a major overhaul and transformation, resulting in the Medical Magnet being honored as the Magnet Schools of America School of Distinction for three consecutive years. Collaborating with the community and staff, they established a second magnet, the Liberal Arts Magnet, to nurture the next generation of teachers and educators. Richard’s work was acknowledged in March 2022 when he was featured in the book “Schools on the Move” by Jay Westover, highlighting his efforts in building coherence and developing leadership teams. After a 27-year career encompassing roles as a teacher, instructional coach, and principal, Richard reached a significant milestone in October 2022 when he was selected as a Cahn Fellow for distinguished principals. In 2023, he worked with parents and teachers, resulting in Northridge Middle School being awarded the Community Schools Program.
Richard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a teaching credential, and a Master’s from CSUN. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University. Richard frequently emphasizes that “education transformed my life” and is a driving force behind his campaign for the Board of Education, aiming to provide more LAUSD students with the transformative opportunities that education has afforded him.
Richard and his wife, Irene, have been married for 33 years. Irene works for LAUSD in Psychological Services, while their daughter, Katrina, serves as a school administrative assistant, and both work within the San Fernando Valley. Richard’s granddaughters are enrolled in LAUSD schools within Board District 3, further motivating his dedication to educational excellence and community improvement.
Richard S. Ramos’ parents, Felicitas and Candido Ramos, migrated to the San Fernando Valley with only a 6th and 3rd-grade education, determined to create opportunities for their children that they never had. Richard would attend San Fernando and Morningside Elementary, San Fernando Middle School, and Sylmar High School. Throughout his early education, Richard often felt like “a square peg in a round hole,” leading to encounters with authorities, teachers, and the police. He was later transferred to a continuation high school and became entangled in the juvenile justice system. Despite his challenging school experiences, Richard understood the value of education and ultimately earned his high school diploma from the Rinaldi Adult Center.
His pursuit of education continued as Richard attended LA Mission College and later CSUN. During his college years, Richard had a transformative realization: “I could make a difference.” In 1997, he returned to his alma mater, Morningside Elementary, as a teacher. Richard’s journey from a turbulent school life to becoming a successful teacher and principal is remarkable. In 1999, he embarked on a campaign for the San Fernando City Council. Richard worked with the council to bring significant improvements, including a world-class library and redeveloping blighted areas. He firmly believes in addressing pressing societal issues to create lasting empowerment for the communities he serves.
In his first role as a principal, Richard skillfully brought together parents, teachers, staff, and students to transform Haddon Elementary. The school rebranded, achieved academic gains, and gained recognition for innovative programs such as a debate team, DIY Girls Engineering, a traveling K-5 mariachi band, and a STEAM Magnet. Later, at Northridge Middle School, Richard oversaw a major overhaul and transformation, resulting in the Medical Magnet being honored as the Magnet Schools of America School of Distinction for three consecutive years. Collaborating with the community and staff, they established a second magnet, the Liberal Arts Magnet, to nurture the next generation of teachers and educators. Richard’s work was acknowledged in March 2022 when he was featured in the book “Schools on the Move” by Jay Westover, highlighting his efforts in building coherence and developing leadership teams. After a 27-year career encompassing roles as a teacher, instructional coach, and principal, Richard reached a significant milestone in October 2022 when he was selected as a Cahn Fellow for distinguished principals. In 2023, he worked with parents and teachers, resulting in Northridge Middle School being awarded the Community Schools Program.
Richard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a teaching credential, and a Master’s from CSUN. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University. Richard frequently emphasizes that “education transformed my life” and is a driving force behind his campaign for the Board of Education, aiming to provide more LAUSD students with the transformative opportunities that education has afforded him.
Richard and his wife, Irene, have been married for 33 years. Irene works for LAUSD in Psychological Services, while their daughter, Katrina, serves as a school administrative assistant, and both work within the San Fernando Valley. Richard’s granddaughters are enrolled in LAUSD schools within Board District 3, further motivating his dedication to educational excellence and community improvement.