Newark residents will soon elect the first school board members since the district regained control of its schools from the state.

The state gave the city back control in September.

“We are determined more than anything not to be in the same situation that we were in and not allow the state to have any reason whatsoever to come in,” says Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

Mayor Baraka endorsed three candidates Wednesday. There are 13 people running for seats.

The state took over Newark’s school district in 1995 due to mismanagement by the Newark Board of Education at the time.

Some Newark parents say that they are now looking for accountability and for the district to put students first.

“We are making sure that they get there and that they be there. Do what’s best for them and do what’s right,” says parent Rosita McMillan.

There are 36,000 students in the district.

The elections will be held April 17.