There is much work to be done to ensure that Louisiana’s kids are prepared for success and that our state economy grows. Roughly one-third of students in public schools are on grade level. Thousands graduate each year without the skills to get a great job or to enter college without needing remediation. We can and must do better.

To accomplish this, schools must set high expectations, work diligently to help every child grow, and spend dollars wisely to address kids’ most urgent needs. School officials must be honest and transparent with parents and the public about academic performance and their use of tax dollars to get the job done.

When this happens, kids in our state will thrive, and Louisiana will flourish as a whole.

That’s why we’re releasing the following scorecard ahead of the upcoming school board elections. These questions will help Louisiana voters gauge whether those running for elected office are concerned with the interests of our children’s education or with maintaining the mediocre status quo.

Ask your school board candidates, “Are you willing to put Louisiana’s kids first?”