Magna Awards: Frequently Asked Questions

To nominate a program, visit the Magna Awards application page. Please contact memberservices@nsba.org if you have questions or require assistance.

The judges will look for applicants who:
  • Submit an IAQ Plan that is written in accordance with EPA guidance for Model IAQ Plan.
  • Earn points in a variety of ways, e.g., in-person & online training, documentation, and webinar attendance.
  • Are supported by district leaders.

The nomination deadline for Magna Awards 2026 is Oct. 31, 2025.

NSBA Member State Association districts and all CUBE and NatCon districts are eligible to apply for the 2026 Magna Awards. If you are uncertain about your membership status, please contact memberservices@nsba.org.

Terms and conditions are included with those of the American School Board Journal’s (ASBJ) publisher, the National School Boards Association (NSBA).

Currently, each submitter may only submit one application per email address. However, submitters with a different email address from the same school district may submit additional applications. 

After you complete your nomination, you will receive an email notification that it has been received. 

You can upload backup materials such as photos, videos, documents, and PDFs on the nomination form, and they will be viewed by the judges.

The judging usually occurs in late November or early December.
 

The panel of judges consists of members of the NSBA Board of Directors Awards Committee and senior staff from the Go Green Initiative.
  

If you are a winner, you will be notified in late January or early February. Notification will be sent by email to the program's nominator, the district's superintendent, the school board president, and your state school boards association. We ask that you do not announce the award until March.

Three districts are named grand prize winners, and multiple others are named silver award winners. Representatives of the three grand prize winners must be available to present at a special Education Session during NSBA’s Annual Conference. All winning district programs will be featured in the April issue of ASBJ.

A general announcement about the 2026 Magna Awards honorees will be made in March 2026, and the list of honorees will be published in an issue of ASBJ.

Tips on Making Your Nomination

Please review the judges' criteria for winning programs before you submit your nomination and make sure that your nomination meets each criterion. Provide proof that your program meets the stated criteria in your nomination's narrative and backup materials. Be sure to document any evidence that your program meets the stated criteria in your nomination.