American School Board Journal - April 2026

April’s cover story highlights the 2026 Magna Awards program and the innovative work happening in our nation’s public schools. This year’s three Grand Prize winners and two Silver Award winners are recognized for their efforts to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). April’s issue also examines the importance of reimagining school meal programs to support nutrition, academic success, and a sense of belonging; rethinking educational screen time in schools; and ensuring LGBTQ+ students feel safe, seen, and able to exist without apology in their classrooms. 

Student smiling at camera while working on a laptop

PHOTO CREDIT: EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT 189

LEADERSHIP

As we celebrate this year’s Magna Award winners and the program’s focus on innovation and creating healthier schools for our students, we are reminded that school boards are uniquely positioned to push their schools to evolve to meet the needs of students in a changing world, writes NSBA Executive Director and CEO Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs.  “Innovation is about building upon strong foundations to create even better opportunities for every learner,” she adds.  
 
As he reflects on his past year serving as the 77th president of NSBA, Devin Sheehan says he does so with deep gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose: “This role has taken me across the country, into boardrooms, classrooms, and communities of every size and demographic. In each setting, one truth has remained constant: Local school board members are among the most important champions for student success in America.” 
 
FEATURES

Showcasing district efforts to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency for students and staff.

School meal programs increase participation by paying attention to what students need at mealtime.

Speakers with diverse experiences set to address school board members in San Antonio.

The current state of civics education is troubling, but some districts are advancing civics learning for their students.

School boards can lead the way to adopting healthier forms of student engagement.
 
TRENDS

 
 
 
URBAN ADVOCATE

In an era of rapid social and technological change, urban boards are the primary defenders of the promise of public education.
 
SOUNDBOARD

What high-quality instructional materials in math look like in practice.
 
A Defining Leadership Test (Subscription Only)
School leaders owe it to their LGBTQ+ students to make their schools safe places.
 
An Unfunded IDEA (Subscription Only)
After 50 years, federal special education legislation continues its financial and legal impact on school districts.
 
ONLINE ONLY