Giggy Perez-Saab seeks re-election to Downey school board

DOWNEY — Downey Unified School Board Member Giovanna “Giggy” Perez-Saab, has officially announced her re-election campaign for this upcoming election. Perez-Saab currently represents Downey students at DUSD in Trustee Area 3.

“I am proud of my positive record of serving our Downey students and teachers the last few years as a School Board member,” she said. “My record shows that I have been a positive voice and have served the best interests of our students.  Now more than ever, Downey families need a consistent and experienced leader who can continue the momentum of Downey Unified as we transition through this pandemic.”

Perez-Saab has been an advocate of greater communication during her years on the Downey School Board. 

“I believe the more information we provide parents, the more involved families are in their children’s education results in greater academic success,” said.

During Perez-Saab’s time on the board, DUSD has provided more parent academies, parent educational workshops, revamped all school websites, and launched the DUSD Parent Connect App to ensure all families stay informed.

“As a parent of three children in DUSD schools, I understand the importance and value of a quality education, safe and modern schools and curriculum which prepares our students to the challenges of today’s world,” she said. 

Perez-Saab has bridged a strong relationship with students, parents and teachers during these extraordinary times.  As a school board member, she serves on important committees including the Audit, Enrollment Growth, Social and Emotional Learning and the Return to School committees.

“DUSD teachers and staff have done an excellent job in transitioning to distant learning, and we are working hard to prepare for a safe and smooth return to campus when permitted by the State of California,” she said.

During Perez-Saab’s tenure on the School Board, DUSD has grown to a 96.1% graduation rate and 97% attendance rate, one of the highest in the region. She has been an outspoken supporter of Innovation Labs, Femineers, Skills USA, STEAM, eSports, coding programs, animation technology, biomedical sciences, visual and performing arts, athletics and additional AP classes offered. 

In addition, DUSD has created a CTE- Career Technical Education program that was awarded with over $4 million in grant funding that has provided Downey students with college and career ready courses and experiences.

US News & World Report recently named Downey and Warren as a “Best High School” based on their performance on state required tests, graduation and how well students are prepared for college. Doty Middle School was identified as a “School to Watch” for its achievements. 

“I understand that there are some kids who may not have the desire to attend college, however, I want to make sure that when they do graduate, they are prepared to face today’s world with the necessary tools to be able to achieve their potential in whatever field they have an interest in,” she said.

“This is why I have supported enrichment programs and CTE pathways so that students can receive training during their DUSD career to help them be successful in life after graduation.” 

Perez-Saab said she is committed to the safety and wellness of the whole child. 

“We are building people of strong character with our Character Counts program and PBIS – Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, where we support every student to create the kinds of schools where all students are successful,” she said. “We are investing in our children’s social and emotional learning to provide a foundation for safe and positive learning and enhance their ability to succeed in school, careers, and life.”

In addition, during Perez-Saab’s years on the School Board, DUSD launched the Global Language Academy and International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, one of the 1st in the region. The goal of the program is to empower students to achieve high levels of academic success and develop the cross-cultural skills needed to be college and career ready.

Giggy Perez-Saab is the only candidate endorsed by the entire DUSD School Board, Downey mayor and city councilmembers, Downey Teachers Association and Downey Classified School Employees Association.

“I am proud to receive broad support from Downey students, parents, teachers and elected officials all of which have the confidence that I will continue to do what is right and in the best interests of our children,” she said.

“I am committed to helping sustain the progress DUSD has made and to ensure that every teacher, school and student receive the necessary tools to succeed. This means continue to fight for every dollar available so that we can provide our students with the most up to date technology and resources in the classrooms. Every Downey student will be provided their own 1:1 iPad from TK through 8th grade. Over 1,000 hotspots, as well as thousands of laptops and iPads were provided to any student in need during the pandemic. No student should ever fall behind for lack of resources.”

Perez-Saab has been instrumental in facility modernization of school and campus-projects at all 22 school sites in Downey.  

Giggy Perez-Saab is a member of the Los Angeles County School Boards Association and the California School Board Association, where she completed her Master of Governance Certification.

In addition to being an active School Board member, she is an active PTA Board Member and past chairman of the School Site Council at Rio San Gabriel Elementary School and Carpenter Elementary School. She also serves as co-chairman of the Downey Family YMCA Board of Directors and served as past president of Soroptimist International of Downey. 

She is a member of the Assistance League of Downey and has assisted with Operation School Bell Service Project.

“I am running for Re-election for the Downey Board of Education because there is still a lot of work to do,” she said. “I will continue to strive for equity for every student. I will continue to advocate clear communication with families, high standards for distance learning, and support social and emotional learning.” 

Perez-Saab is a recipient of the Red Triangle Award for outstanding service to Downey YMCA and the Downey community, the Kiwanis International Foundation George Hixon Fellowship Award, the Soroptimist Women of Distinction Award, and the Downey PTA Honorary Service Award. 

Perez-Saab was the first Latina elected to the Downey School Board and is fluent in English and Spanish.

A graduate of Florida International University, she has been married to former mayor and current Downey councilmember Alex Saab for 16 years and has three children: Dominic (11), Gianna (6), and Alexander (4).

Perez-Saab may be reached at 562-746-5904, g4downey@gmail.com or  www.giggyfordowneyschools.com.