.png)
.png)
Join our campaign
Fighting for Fresno Unified Students
For years, James has dedicated himself to serving some of Fresno County's most vulnerable schools and student populations. Despite budget cuts and a global pandemic, he has consistently found solutions to challenging and difficult problems facing school districts and students throughout Fresno County. Now, James is ready to bring that same leadership to Fresno Unified and deliver for its students.
MEET JAMES
For years, James has dedicated himself to serving some of Fresno County's most vulnerable schools and student populations. Despite facing budget cuts and a global pandemic, James has consistently found solutions to difficult challenges. Now, James is prepared to bring that same leadership to Fresno Unified students and deliver positive results.
Fresno County Board of Education Trustee James Martinez was born and raised in Fresno and graduated from Fresno High School in 2004. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Fresno State and his Master's degree from USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Over his 15-year career as a public servant, James has developed extensive experience working at local, state, and federal government levels to create positive change in Fresno and the Central San Joaquin Valley.
James is also an active community volunteer, dedicated to empowering young leaders. He aims to leverage his education and professional experience to help every student in Fresno Unified succeed and be prepared for the workforce and beyond.
AN EXPERIENCED LEADER WITH SOLUTIONS
Student Success
With two-thirds of Fresno Unified students underperforming in every category, it is crucial that we return to the basics of educating our students in reading, writing, and math, ensuring they are at grade level by first grade. As Trustee, I will work closely with the administration to implement and support Universal Transitional Kindergarten programs for children ages 3-4, along with targeted interventions that directly address student needs.
​
I pledge to actively listen to our teachers, ensuring they have the necessary tools and resources to engage students effectively, and that they have a seat at the decision-making table. Additionally, I am committed to creating extended learning opportunities for students who need extra instruction through mobile learning labs that will provide supplemental instructional support in their neighborhoods. I will also take a strategic approach to improving our district’s educational outcomes by developing a comprehensive strategic plan that will guide decision-making processes and ensure that every action taken by the board aligns with our core educational priorities.
Career & College
Readiness
As a member of the Fresno County Board of Education, I have actively championed our Career Technical Education Center (CTEC). This facility showcases how we can successfully integrate vocational training with academic education, creating a seamless pipeline from school to apprenticeship and, ultimately, to the workforce.
​
These programs are crucial in preparing the next generation of our local workforce by offering hands-on learning opportunities, connecting students with industry partners, and providing the essential vocational and technical skills needed to secure high-quality, well-paying jobs.
​
As a Fresno Unified Trustee, I will adopt a comprehensive approach to career exploration, ensuring students are aware of the various paths available to them. This involves expanding access to career technical education, fostering partnerships with local industries, and enhancing support for students pursuing vocational and technical training alongside their academic studies to prepare them for the workforce.
Fiscal Responsibility
As a Trustee, I have been dedicated to ensuring fiscal responsibility across all of Fresno County's schools. As a Fresno Unified Trustee, I will prioritize transparent budgeting processes, ensuring that every dollar is accounted for and directed towards initiatives that directly benefit our student's educational outcomes. I will advocate for the efficient use of resources, eliminate wasteful spending, and reallocate funds to essential programs such as teacher development and support, student support services, and technology upgrades. I will also work with the administration and my board colleagues to implement an Equity-Based Funding model to ensure Fresno High receives its fair share of district resources.
​
My goal is to ensure that our financial practices are not only transparent but also aligned with our mission of getting back to the basics of education: reading, math, and writing, while working to provide the highest quality education for all students.