WBRZ - Baton Rouge

GREENSBURG - Budget problems and school takeovers are some of the challenges the Saint Helena School District has faced in recent years.

Despite the issues, the district had the biggest improvement in student test scores: 43 percent of students scored at basic or above levels in core subjects this year. Last year the number was 30 percent.

School leaders said they focused cuts on areas outside the classroom, and parents said they've noticed the difference. Some say the improvements may convince parents to bring their children back to public schools.

School board members say they may call for a tax increase in November to help continue the momentum.