While the eyes of the nation follow the race for the White House, it is worthwhile to remember that leaders elected locally often have an even more substantial impact on our daily lives than do state or federal lawmakers.

Here in the southern part of Napa County, voters — and especially parents — should tune into a contested race for a seat on the board of the Napa Valley Unified School District board. Michael Douglas is leaving the board, and two American Canyon parents are vying to replace him in NVUSD District 4: Simone Moultak and Joe Schunk.

Both are active parents and school volunteers who have seen their children go through public schools, from Donaldson Way Elementary School to Vintage High School. In our view, Moultak is the better choice to enhance the capabilities of the current NVUSD board.

Moultak is a former travel and tour professional who has shepherded three children through the schools. Her various projects have included helping Vintage High School become accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and in taking a lead role in the parent-faculty committee at Vintage.

When she and Schunk met with the Register editorial board, the focus of her comments was on students as much as on bigger-picture issues such as budgeting, and she appears to know everyone on campus, from students and teachers to administrators and janitorial staff.

Budgets and academic achievement standards are a huge part of what members of the NVUSD board have to address. But parent involvement is critical for the success of any school, and Moultak’s efforts in this regard are exemplary.

In endorsing Moultak, we take nothing away from Schunk, who is a reliable presence at NVUSD board meetings and has contributed much as a volunteer. The district will benefit from both candidates’ continued involvement in the schools, in whatever capacity they choose to participate.

In our view, Moultak is in the best position to help the school district serve its 17,000 students and their families in what promises to be challenging years ahead.