City of Gilroy
Fred Martinez Tovar, M.Ed.
Fred Tovar: Committed to Our Children & Families: With 25 years in education at Stanford, San Jose State, and Santa Clara University, I empower families through quality education and safe neighborhoods. My experience on the Gilroy School Board, San Jose/Evergreen College Board, and City Council equips me to advocate for a stronger united community.
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Over 80% of voters polled say they want elected officials to prioritize children and families. What are the top three issues affecting our children and families and how will you make our region a place where all families can thrive?
The top three issues affecting our children and families are access to quality education, affordable housing, and safety. With over 25 years in education and leadership roles on the Gilroy School Board and San Jose Evergreen College Board, I will prioritize policies that improve our schools, advocate for affordable housing, and support safer neighborhoods. By focusing on these key areas, we can create a thriving community where every child and family has the resources and opportunities to succeed, ensuring a brighter future for all.
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High quality childcare improves school readiness and parents' workforce participation. What will you do to improve access to high quality childcare and preschool programs in our diverse communities?
The top three issues affecting our children and families are access to quality education, affordable housing, and public safety. With over 25 years in education, 8 years on the Gilroy City Council, and service on the Gilroy School and San Jose Evergreen College Boards, I’ve worked to improve schools, increase affordable housing, and support fire and police services. I’ve also advocated for more School Resource Officers (SROs) to keep our kids safe. By addressing these areas, I aim to make Gilroy a place where all families can thrive.
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Much of the student achievement gap has been linked to the opportunity gap that children in low-income families and children of color confront (e.g., lack of access to healthy food, preschool, tutors, and enrichment activities). If elected, what will you do to increase equity of opportunity?
If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for programs that bridge the opportunity gap by championing initiatives that provide equitable access to quality education, preschool programs, and after-school enrichment. My 25 years in education and experience on the Gilroy School Board and San Jose Evergreen College Board drive my commitment to expanding resources like tutoring, mentorship, and healthy meal programs. Additionally, I will work to ensure that low-income families and children of color have access to these opportunities, creating a more equitable future for all students.
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What steps will you take to improve inclusion and outcomes for children with disabilities and their families in our community?
During my 8 years on the Gilroy School Board, I’ve worked closely with families and staff to address the needs of children with disabilities. If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for increased school resources, including specialized support staff, accessible facilities, and enhanced individualized learning plans. I will also focus on ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, have access to extracurricular activities. By expanding community programs, we can provide essential resources to families, fostering a more inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
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If elected, how will you use the resources of your new role to improve children's well-being and access to mental and behavioral health services?
If re-elected, I will leverage my experience in higher education, on the City Council, and 25 years in education to prioritize children's well-being by expanding access to mental and behavioral health services. I will advocate for partnerships between schools, local governments, and healthcare providers to increase mental health resources in schools and communities. Additionally, I will push for increased funding to train staff in trauma-informed care and expand after-school programs that support emotional and behavioral health, ensuring that all children have access to the services they need.