When the paperwork came in, we were disappointed. Of the 42 area school board seats up for election next month, only seven will be contested within the Courier’s coverage area. And two seats fielded no candidates this year.

It goes without saying that school board membership is critical to the future success of our school-age children.

Board members help to craft a number of decisions related to curriculum, educational delivery, teacher salaries, building expansion and so much more.

At the heart of serving on a school board, of course, is the chance to help shape and mold young minds. These children are our future leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and teachers.

And yet, when it came time to find eligible candidates to serve on the 19 area school boards, only one-sixth of the seats open will be contested.

Voters want options when they go to the polls.

We appreciate the men and women, incumbents and newcomers, who will be on the Sept. 9 ballot. It’s clear they have a vested interest in our children.

But we know there are many more southern Iowans who should also serve. We’ve said it before, but we know the area doesn’t have a shortage of people with suggestions on how to run things. We have to wonder where those people were by last week’s deadline.

There’s no doubt that school board members and any other elected official must commit a certain number of hours to serving. The work can be difficult, there is a lot of paperwork and too often, praise for a job well done is hard to find.

But we’re talking about those precious young lives that need our help. Good school districts have strong leadership and committed board members looking out for the best interest of our children.

The time to serve may have passed this year, but school board elections will be held again next year and every odd-numbered year. Those who have the time, and we know there are plenty of you out there, should seriously consider getting involved. There’s just too much at stake.