FRAMINGHAM – Challenger Lorena Tovar and incumbent David Gordon made it through last month’s preliminary match-up and are on the November 4 District 2 ballot for School Committee. (Tovar finished at 146 votes and Gordon at 81 in a low-turnout election.) Here are their responses to the District2Framingham.com candidate questionnaire:
Lorena Tovar
(Updated from her preliminary election responses)
Why are you running for School Committee?
I’m running because I believe every family deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported by our school system. I’ve personally struggled at times to get clear communication or timely support for my own child, and I know I’m not alone – I’ve had parents reach out to me when they didn’t know where else to turn. For many families, especially immigrants or those who didn’t have positive school experiences themselves, navigating Framingham Public Schools can feel intimidating. I want to change that. I will lead with empathy and meet families where they are – whether that means speaking plainly instead of in policy jargon, picking up the phone instead of sending another email, or offering more welcoming entry points for parent involvement.
When the district was hiring a new Assistant Superintendent, I was the only parent who volunteered to serve on the selection committee. I took time off work without hesitation because I knew how important that decision would be for our students. Through that process, I met others in the community who deeply care about our schools – and they encouraged me to run because they saw in me a commitment to action, not just words.
I’ve been vocal at School Committee meetings and have reached out directly to members when I’ve had concerns. I haven’t always felt that those concerns were addressed, and I’ve heard the same frustration from many other families. I’m running to change that dynamic – to ensure that when parents speak up, someone truly listens and follows through.
What would you like voters to know about your background and qualifications?
I bring both professional expertise and personal experience to this role. I currently manage the Master in City Planning program at MIT, and over my time there I’ve held different roles that taught me how to set priorities, make strategic decisions, and align goals with available resources. These experiences – balancing needs, listening to others, and building consensus – are directly relevant to the work of the School Committee.
I’m also a parent with children in the Framingham Public Schools and an immigrant who has navigated the system from a different starting point. My husband comes from a long-established Framingham family, and we chose to raise our children here because we believe in this city’s strengths – and its potential.
I believe in the power of education at every stage – from the foundational early years through the pivotal transitions of middle and high school. Whether it’s building confidence in Kindergarten or preparing students for life after graduation, each phase matters. As a School Committee member, I will work to ensure every child receives the support they need at every step – so all students can thrive.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Framingham Public Schools? How do you plan to work to address them?
From the beginning of my campaign, I have focused on the following key priorities:
1. Student Achievement. Every student deserves access to rigorous, high-quality learning that prepares them for success. I will advocate for evidence-based curriculum, strong early literacy programs, and targeted support for multilingual learners and students with diverse needs.
2. Educator Support & Retention. Our educators are the heart of our schools. We cannot deliver for students without supporting the people who teach and care for them every day. I will champion competitive compensation, meaningful professional development, and a positive, collaborative culture that keeps great educators in Framingham.
3. Transparency & Accountability. Families and community members deserve to know how decisions are made and how resources are used. I will work to make budget and policy information more accessible, ensure decisions are clearly communicated, and hold the district accountable to students, families, and taxpayers.
4. Family & Community Voice. Schools are strongest when families and the broader community are true partners. I will prioritize listening to caregivers and community organizations, and create more welcoming, accessible pathways for their voices to influence decisions.
By centering these priorities, I will work to ensure Framingham Public Schools provide excellent, equitable opportunities for every student – while rebuilding trust and collaboration across our community.
Do you have plans for community outreach if elected?
Currently, there isn’t a clear channel for District 2 constituents to raise concerns, share ideas, or provide feedback with their School Committee representative. When elected, I will make it a priority to meet the community where they are and provide multiple ways for families and neighbors to connect directly with me. This could include a regular newsletter, coffee chats, community events, a dedicated email address or online form, short surveys to gather input, and virtual office hours. My goal is to ensure every family and neighbor has an accessible way to share their voice and have it represented in School Committee decision-making.
How can voters find out more about you?
You can find me on Facebook:www.facebook.com/lorenatovarforsc or email me at lorena.tovar.for.sc@gmail.com. I’d also love to say hi if you see me around town!
What else would you like to tell residents of District 2?
I’m not running for myself, and not only for District 2 — I’m running for every student, every family, and every member of the Framingham Public Schools community. We all deserve a school system that we can hold accountable, and I will make that my priority.
David Gordon
Why are you running for School Committee?
I am running for School Committee because I believe every child deserves access to a high-quality, inclusive education that prepares them for the future. With over 15 years of leadership experience in public education, independent schools, and higher education, I have seen firsthand how thoughtful planning, financial transparency, and strong community partnerships can strengthen our schools.
As both a parent and a longtime resident, I want to use my skills in financial stewardship, long-range planning, and governance to ensure that resources are used wisely and equitably. My goal is to support teachers, students, and families by making sure the district remains fiscally sound while also responsive to the needs of a diverse community.
What would you like voters to know about your background and qualifications?
I bring more than 15 years of leadership experience in public education, independent schools, and higher education, with a focus on financial stewardship, operational oversight, and long-term planning. Throughout my career, I have managed multi-million-dollar school district budgets, overseen facilities and student services, and partnered with superintendents, school committees, and boards to ensure resources are allocated in a way that is both equitable and student-centric.
I am also a licensed School Business Administrator and hold certifications in public purchasing and school administration. Beyond my professional roles, I currently serve on the Framingham School Committee and chair its Finance Committee, giving me hands-on governance experience and a deep commitment to advancing equity while balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of students, families, and educators.
What do you think are the most important issues facing Framingham Public Schools? How do you plan to work to address them?
Two critical issues are transportation and student achievement.
For transportation, the district is moving to in-house busing. I will monitor the transition closely, ensure accountability for costs and service levels, and advocate for clear communication with families so disruptions are minimized.
For student achievement, I will support the new Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, hold leadership accountable, and request regular updates. I will also push for data-driven strategies, equitable access to programs, and strong support for teachers so all students can succeed.
Do you have plans for community outreach if elected?
Yes. I believe transparency and communication are essential. If elected, I plan to attend regular community forums, school-based and neighborhood events, and provide clear, data-driven updates to families and residents. I have always been easily approachable and will continue that effort to meet and greet all constituents. My career has centered on building trust through financial transparency and stakeholder engagement, and I will bring that same approach to the School Committee, listening to diverse voices, ensuring equity in decision-making, and keeping the community informed.
How can voters find out more about you?
Easy . . . just ask! I’m very visible in the community, including coaching Flag Football this fall, and I welcome conversations anytime. Voters can also reach me directly. I am always reachable through the FPS website and City of Framingham website.
What else would you like to tell residents of District 2?
I was born and raised in Framingham! Attended Blocks, Stapleton, Hemenway, Walsh, and graduating from Framingham High. Today, I live here with my family, and my children love and are thriving at Stapleton. My mother still lives in town, so Framingham has always been home.
Professionally, I bring over 15 years of experience in education finance and operations, always with a student-centric focus. I understand the unique needs of students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and families facing socioeconomic challenges. My priority is to ensure the equitable distribution of resources so that every student has the support they need to succeed.
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