Survey reveals voter interest in improved education quality, student mental health support, and workforce preparation.
A recent survey conducted by GPSN among likely voters across board districts 1, 3, and 5 in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has revealed key insights into the issues impacting public education and voter engagement in school board elections.
Major Trends and Findings
Voters share their perspectives on the issues impacting public education and voter engagement in school board elections.
- 84% of voters say the quality of instruction in schools is a very important factor in determining whether they vote in upcoming elections.
- 78% of voters say student mental health is an influential issue in their decision to vote.
- Messages focused on creating pathways for students to prepare for the workforce and increasing investment in teacher recruitment, training, and preparation were found to be the most effective in driving voter interest in elections.
- Homelessness, inflation/cost of living, housing affordability, and crime are among the top concerns for voters across the three districts, with nearly two-thirds of voters citing these issues as very important in determining whether to vote.
- 43% of voters say that improving public schools would have a very positive impact on the issues about which voters are most concerned, while another 33% say it would have a somewhat positive impact.
Methodology
The findings in this memo are based on a survey conducted from March 18th through April 1st, 2024, among a representative sample of 1,121 likely Los Angeles County voters in school districts 1, 3, and 5 of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The sampling margin of error for the full survey sample of 1,121 is +/- 2.9%. The margin of error may be larger for sub-samples.
The study was conducted online and via telephone in English and Spanish.