School board elections will be held May 13 this year. While every election counts, few are as directly connected to our daily lives as school board elections. These local races may not grab headlines, but they shape the future of our communities in powerful ways.

School boards decide how our children are educated, how taxpayer dollars are spent, and how schools support both students and staff. Those decisions affect our workforce present and future, as well as our entire community. The state of a school system is often a major question asked by businesses looking to locate here and medical professionals considering the area.

From curriculum decisions to school safety policies, these boards help determine the direction of public education in our neighborhoods. Your educated vote helps shape a system that touches every family, whether or not they have children in school.

I say “educated” because voting shouldn’t be just showing up. Take time to explore candidates’ platforms, ask questions and understand what’s at stake. Attend forums if you can, or talk with neighbors and educators. Good decisions come from good conversations – and from listening as much as speaking.

Above all, let’s approach these discussions with kindness. Our school communities are diverse, and people will have different priorities. But if we stay curious rather than judgmental, respectful rather than offended, we can build shared understanding and elect leaders who reflect the best hopes we have for our children’s future.

Democracy works best when we all participate. Please don’t sit this one out. School board elections are May 13. Please visit the Delaware Department of Elections website, elections.delaware.gov, or vote411.org for information on candidates, times and polling places.