DOWNEY — Linda Salomon Saldana, a civic leader and non-profit director, has announced her candidacy for the Downey Board of Education. 

She is looking to replace Donald LaPlante in the Area 4 seat. LaPlante is retiring and has endorsed Saldana to replace him. 

“Linda Saldana is well prepared for this position having served as our foundation president and previously as a school PTA president,” said LaPlante. 

As a mother of three Downey Unified students, Saldana said she cares personally about education. 

“I have a high schooler, middle schooler and an elementary student. I am happy with their education in DUSD over the last 10 years and I want to make sure it continues to be an excellent experience,” she said. 

In addition to strong academics, Saldana said she believes the arts, sports and college preparation is essential for all students so that they can be prepared, independent and well-rounded to be successful in college, future careers, and life overall. 

“I believe all our students need to receive as many experiences and opportunities available, just like students in more affluent areas, so that they can be confident and competitive in the future,” she said. 

Saldana is executive director of the Downey Foundation for Educational Opportunities, a non-profit of Downey Unified that she helped start. The mission of the foundation, which receives no money from the school district, is to support Downey Unified in making students globally competitive and citizens of strong character. 

Saldana has been endorsed by all seven Downey school board members, along with Mayor Blanca Pacheco, Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Frometa, city council members Alex Saab and Rick Rodriguez, and various former mayors. 

“My husband and I live in and love Downey because of our good schools, our prosperous city and the strong relationship between the two that give us a beautiful community,” she said. “I will work hard to continue and improve upon this." 

More information about Saldana’s campaign is available online at www.linda4downeyschools.com.