DOWNEY — Cathy Ballon-Godinez, a community volunteer and lifetime Downey resident, has announced her candidacy for Downey school board (trustee area 2).

Ballon-Godinez grew up in Downey and attended Downey K-12 schools, graduating from Warren High School. She now works as an electrical engineer designer with clients in Dubai, Qatar and most recently the Dodgers and LA Rams stadiums.

“I am passionate about volunteering because I know the value of Character Counts,”she said. “My two kids and I grew up in Downey and are products of the Downey Unified School District (DUSD).”

For over 18 years, Ballon-Godinez has served the community of Downey in numerous leadership roles focused on the growth and success of all children in their lives. Some of her volunteer roles include serving as a board member with the Assistance League of Downey and board member with the Downey Youth Football (Razorbacks).

“Cathy brings all the tools necessary to serve as an effective DUSD board member. She is dedicated and committed to our youth,” said Louis Morales, Downey Youth Football president. 

Ballon-Godinez has also served as the advisor to the Builders Club at Griffiths Middle School for the Kiwanis Club of Downey, vice president of the Griffith Middle School Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and Downey onsite coordinator for the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count which takes place annually and serves as an instrumental role on keeping track of the homeless population in Downey.

“Times are changing fast and the Downey Unified School District needs to keep up. The traditional classroom setting is no longer the norm,”she said. “Our students need an experienced leader that understands technology and will help them during this period. Remote learning will dictate the quality of education our children get from now on. As an Engineer, I am qualified and prepared to support them. When our children’s future is at stake, I strongly believe that experience matters.”

Ballon-Godinez said she plans to “work tirelessly with her colleagues and district administrators to ensure all schools in Downey are clean and properly equipped.” Her objective is to prepare all of our students for success after high school whether it means a direct transfer to a four year university or learning a valuable trade skill.

If elected, her priorities are to “support programs that will assist all students and increase graduate and transfer rates, support and advocate on behalf of the faculty and ensure they have the necessary tools and facilities to sustain a high academic standard, accountability and transparency will minimize any potential to wasteful spending, and to ensure development is carried out with minimal bureaucracy and delay.”

“Downey is a remarkable city with talented students who share a deep appreciation for our core values,” she said.

Among Ballon-Godinez’s supporters is Downey Councilman Rick Rodriguez.

“Cathy really cares for our community and all Downey students. She has all the right stuff that is needed to be a member of our Downey School Board,” said Rodriguez,

Ballon-Godinez is also endorsed by Councilman Sean Ashton, and former Downey mayors Kirk Cartozian and Fernando Vasquez.

“Cathy has dedicated many years of volunteering in our city and has worked tirelessly for the youth of our community,” said Vasquez. “She will make a great board member who will put the interest of our students first.”

Ballon-Godinez can be reached by calling (562) 472-6918 or by email at Cathy@CathyforDowneySchools.com