Happy 2023 Downey Unified families and Downey community! I hope everyone had a safe and festive holiday season. As we all get back to school and our weekly routines, I hope that we start the new year off with positivity and kindness towards others. After serving on Downey Unified’s Board of Education for five years, I am so proud (and excited) to have been elected last month as our School Board President for the coming year. Along with having the good fortune to continue serving our students and families, having the opportunity to share in the Downey Patriot the great things happening in Downey Unified with our Downey community is something that I will truly enjoy. I hope you enjoy reading the Eyes on our Schools articles each month as much as I know I will enjoy writing them!

To kick things off, I want to start by thanking former President Bobbie Samperi for her last year of service. Bobbie continues to serve on our Board as a member and I look forward to her guidance as I begin my very first year in this role. Second, I would like to welcome our newest Board member Tyrone Conde who was sworn into his seat in December. Tyrone has two children who attend elementary school within our district and I know his commitment to our students will be driven by his dedication as a Downey Unified parent. Lastly, I would be remiss without giving my most sincere congratulations to Martha Sodetani on her retirement from our Board. Martha is a true pillar of Character and, although her presence will be missed, I know her dedication to our students and families will not waver as she continues her service through various service groups in the community.

As shared above, I will be writing frequently to provide an update on various “happenings” and events throughout Downey Unified. For this first article, I would like to formally introduce myself and my family to get better acquainted with each of you. I was first elected to the School Board in 2018 and being a Downey Unified parent myself, it has been an incredible opportunity to impact the lives of all the students within our district… a commitment I do not take lightly. I am married to Alex Saab, former Mayor and Councilman for City of Downey. My husband and I have three children, all who attend schools in Downey Unified. Two are enrolled in the GLAD program at Carpenter Elementary School (becoming bilingual and biliterate learners) and our oldest attends Doty Middle School. Since my time on the Board, my goal has been to continue to serve our students both through the school district and my work within the community by making impactful changes in the lives of all children.

With that being said, we have many exciting events, sports competitions, performances, awards nights and promotion/graduations ceremonies before we close out the 2022-23 school year, so please make sure to read in each month to stay updated! Just one I want to mention now, especially before the early-bird registration window closes on January 31st, I would like to personally invite you all to participate in the TLC 5K being held on February 25th! TLC is an extension of Downey Unified that provides effective support for our children and their families. If you haven’t participated before, you are truly missing out. It is a great community event for people of all ages. For more details and to register, visit runsignup.com and search TLC.

Kindly,

Giovanna (Giggy) Perez- Saab
President