DOWNEY — Longtime Downey resident Jose Rodriguez has announced he is running for a seat on Downey’s Board of Education. 

He is running to replace Tod Corrin in Trustee Area 2; Corrin’s term expires this year and he is not seeking re-election.

“Tod Corrin has done a great job in leading our school district for many years and I am honored to have his endorsement and support. I take great pride that he would endorse me, and I will honor that trust with my dedication to our students,” said Rodriguez. 

“I am also proud to have the endorsements from outstanding DUSD Board Members Martha Sodetani, Nancy Swenson and Donald LaPlante. I look forward to working together with them on behalf of all Downey students.” 

Rodriguez is an involved parent of three children in DUSD and his wife is an elementary school teacher in the neighboring Norwalk – La Mirada School District. 

“I moved to Downey many years ago because I wanted a great school district and safe community to raise my children,” Rodriguez said. “I have been coaching my twin boys since they were in kindergarten through nine seasons at Downey Junior Athletic Association (DJAA). I love our community and want to continue to help in any way possible.” 

Rodriguez’s boys will attend Downey High this upcoming school year. His daughter plays soccer for AYSO United and attends Doty Middle School.

Rodriguez served as PTA President at Gallatin Elementary for two years while his three kids attended the school. He was awarded an Honorary Service Award by the Gallatin PTA for his commitment to the campus.

“The elementary school years were extremely rewarding for me as a parent. Gallatin Elementary gave my children the opportunity to really flourish as learners, but also build their confidence and character while participating in programs such as Character Counts Council, Playworks Junior Coaches and numerous talent shows,” he said.

“The professional development the teachers received really translated into the classroom, and I saw that firsthand. I want to help build on that by serving on the Board of Trustees for DUSD.” 

Professionally, Rodriguez graduated from UCLA with a Civil Engineering Bachelor of Science degree. He is currently an engineer for a large national general contractor and has been with his company for almost 20 years. 

“As an engineer and active recruiter for my company, it’s important that our school district build students who are college and career ready with good character and are globally competitive,” Rodriguez said. “This translates into the real world where competition is tough and we are constantly looking for the best and brightest talent with strong leadership skills.” 

Rodriguez has also served on the Southeast UCLA Alumni Board as director at large over the last two years. 

“I look forward to the opportunity to serve our community and students and to continue the vision of DUSD and the board. This board has provided stability and strength to the Downey Unified School District and I look to continue the collaboration between the board, the city, and our community,” he said. “The future will not be easy and there will be difficult budget and teaching transitions as we live during this pandemic and it will be important to continue to secure the financial stability of our district. 

“Parents and students want to be heard especially during these times, and as a parent, I want to help ensure those voices are heard, understood and are acted upon.” 

Rodriguez can be reached at rodriguez4downeyschools@gmail.com or on his cell at (562) 203-2531.