2026 Magna Awards 

Five School Districts Recognized for Protecting Student Health through Indoor Air Quality Innovation

Districts in Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, and Washington Honored by National School Boards Association and Go Green Initiative

Illinois’ East St. Louis School District 189, Washington’s Issaquah School District 411, and Maryland’s Prince George’s County Public Schools are the Grand Prize winners in the 31st annual Magna Awards program sponsored by the National School Boards Association (NSBA) and the Go Green Initiative (GGI). Winners were honored for their commitment to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). In addition to the three Grand Prize winners, two Silver Award winners were selected — New York’s Salamanca City Central School District and Massachusetts’ Boston Public Schools.

“NSBA is proud to partner with the Go Green Initiative to recognize districts leading the way in improving indoor air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their facilities,” NSBA Executive Director and CEO Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs said. “Their commitment to healthier schools and a healthier planet sets a powerful example for communities nationwide.”

Sponsored by NSBA’s flagship magazine, American School Board Journal (ASBJ), the Magna Awards have a long history of recognizing exemplary school district programs. The 2026 awards program recognizes districts that enacted a new IAQ management plan and documented reductions in greenhouse gases.

Members of the NSBA Board of Directors Awards Committee and GGI senior staff selected the winners. Throughout the year, school districts had the opportunity to earn points toward the awards by attending in-person and online training. Districts were encouraged to have representatives of the following groups receive training: school board members, assistant superintendents of teaching and learning, school business officers, facilities managers, health officers, head custodians, and parent leaders. 

“School districts are proving that protecting student health and protecting our climate go hand in hand. The leaders of these districts are creating safer classrooms today and a more sustainable future for every child tomorrow,” said Jill Buck, the CEO and founder of the Go Green Initiative. 

Grand Prize-winning programs:

Under 5,000 enrollment: 

Illinois’ East St. Louis School District 189: The Board of Education advanced the district’s indoor air quality (IAQ) efforts by approving and championing comprehensive, districtwide strategic plans centered on energy efficiency, environmental health, and facility modernization. These plans include the district’s carbon-free schools initiative and its five-year carbon footprint reduction and energy savings plan — a roadmap that aligns fiscal responsibility with environmental stewardship and student well-being. 

5,000 to 20,000 enrollment: 

Washington’s Issaquah School District 411: The school board supported the creation of this program by adopting a formal Indoor Air Quality policy that aligns with EPA standards. Its objectives are to reduce the level of indoor air pollutants through preventative measures; provide and maintain adequate airflow by repairing and maintaining ventilation equipment; and provide timely progress reports to all interested parties.

Over 20,000 enrollment: 

Maryland’s Prince George’s County Public Schools: Recognizing the direct link between a healthy school environment and student well-being, the district prioritizes support of healthy IAQ through its dedicated Environmental Office. The newly developed comprehensive IAQ plan is based on the guidelines set forth by the EPA and the Go Green Initiative training. The plan will help the district meet the goals of creating healthy indoor environments for staff and students.

Representatives from the three Grand Prize-winning districts will present at NSBA’s Annual Conference and Exposition in San Antonio, April 10-12. The Grand Prize and Silver Award winners will be highlighted in the April issue of ASBJ, set to be published online on Tuesday, March 31. 

Silver Award-winning programs:

Under 5,000 enrollment: 

New York’s Salamanca City Central School District: To support long-term sustainability, the district is aligning IAQ improvements with energy‑efficiency initiatives, ensuring that school facilities remain healthy, resilient, and well‑maintained for generations to come. This work reflects the traditional stewardship principle of planning for the next seven generations, honoring the district’s responsibility to its Indigenous students and community.

Over 20,000 enrollment: 

Massachusetts’ Boston Public Schools: The School Committee and district leadership played a central role in launching and sustaining the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) program. In response to heightened concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, leadership advocated for comprehensive monitoring, resulting in the installation of IAQ sensors in every classroom, nurse’s office, and main office, along with rooftop sensors for baseline outdoor measurements. 

To learn more, read the Magna Awards' FAQ or watch the webinar below.