Since beginning his journey as a Board of Education member for the Downey Unified School District in 2003, Tod Corrin credits and acknowledges his last 17 years of service to the students within the district.

“I’m most proud of all the things that our students have accomplished during my time on the Board,” Corrin shared as he began to reflect on his time as a member. “Having our attendance and graduation rates grow above surrounding districts and seeing the accomplishments of our kids competing in sports, band and Career Technical programs, has truly brought me great joy.”

When running to become a member of the Board of Education in 2003, Corrin based his campaign around growing the Career Technical Education (CTE) programs within the district. At that time, Downey Unified only offered courses like antiquated wood shop and cooking/sewing classes to high school students. Now, the district has exceeded Corrin’s expectations by developing 14 various CTE pathways that begin at the middle school level. These pathways have flourished during Corrin’s time on the Board and vary from Automotive Technology, Computer Programing, Culinary Arts, Construction Technology, Digital Animation and Welding to name a few. 

Another one of his main goals while serving on the Board of Education was passing the School Bond Measure (Measure O) to further aid in the construction and structural improvements to our campuses and facilities. Measure O was passed by voters in 2014 and has resulted in numerous updates to both technology and structural spaces for students. 

Over the last few years, Corrin was able to see the finished products of the previous School Bond Measure (Measure D) that resulted in major construction within Downey Unified’s comprehensive high schools. This included new football stadiums at both schools, an Engineering Building at Downey High and an Olympic size swimming pool at Warren High.

“I supported Measure O in full force, although it may have cost a bit of money on my property taxes,” Corrin jokingly remarked. “It’s well worth it if we are going to make a difference in the lives of kids and these 21st Century facilities do, which is very exciting to see.”

During his time as a Board member, Corrin has served as President two times and Vice President three times.  He says farewell, but not goodbye, from his seat as Vice President of the Board of Education. He has been proud to work with former Superintendent Dr. Wendy Doty and current Superintendent Dr. John Garcia.  He credits his initial involvement of wanting to become a Board member to Bob Winningham, former Downey Mayor, and former Superintendent Dr. Doty, noting that it was the time they all served on the YMCA Board that truly sparked his interest in serving on the School Board.

Corrin shared that as he steps away, he is happy to have someone who has students currently in the district take over his position on the Board of Education to ensure that decision-making is in the best interest of students.

“My children were enrolled in the district when I became a Board member and I was very active in both sports and various PTAs at each of my children’s schools,” shared Corrin. “I was invested in every decision that was made during my time on the Board and think that it’s a very important factor when electing a new member.”

As such, Corrin plans on continuing to be active in his children’s lives as they have now transitioned into adulthood.  After forty years of marriage, Corrin and his wife Beth will be following their children and grandchildren to Texas in the coming months; however, he wants the community and especially the YMCA to know that he will still be very involved and active.  “I plan on coming back regularly and continuing my community involvement,” stated Corrin. “The Easter Caravan is very close to my heart and I still plan on directing this for years to come.”

Corrin has been directing the YMCA’s Eastern Caravan for 48 years and was saddened that this year’s event had to be canceled due to the pandemic. This program began in 1973 and has been a real joy in Corrin’s life since its establishment.  However, it does come with its own set of obstacles. “All of the work leading up to the Caravan, really the business part of it, is difficult,” shared Corrin. “Making sure everything runs smoothly is very stressful, but when you consider the impact you have on kids, it’s all worth it… It’s kind of like working for the school district.  The impact we have on kids makes it all worth it.”

When sharing some of the many things that he will miss once retiring from the Board of Education, Corrin shared that it will be the commencement ceremonies that he so proudly participates in each year that he will miss the most. 

“The graduation celebrations are something I look forward to each year,” explained Corrin. “Most of these students don’t even know who we are, but just seeing their culmination of 12 years of education within our district and the excitement that they have as they get their diplomas and the excitement of their families, is such an amazing thing to be a part of.” 

He concluded this thought by sharing his heartfelt remorse to last year’s senior class who was unable to have their commencement in May in a traditional way.

Corrin will be saying farewell, but not goodbye, on December 15th during Downey Unified School District’s virtual Reorganizational Board of Education meeting.  This meeting is set to wish him and longtime Board member, Donald E. LaPlante, farewell after a combined 58 years of service to the students and staff within the district. 

Although Corrin will continue to be involved in the district as well as various aspects within the community, including the YMCA’s Easter Caravan, he retires from the Board of Education with a heavy heart but grateful satisfaction.  He is looking forward to the time he will be able to spend with his children and grandchildren; however, stepping away from the students within the district is going to be a transition for him, “I’m going to miss it... I truly am… but I mean, it’s not about me. It’s always been about the kids.”