March 6, 2025
Education Programs in New Mexico, California, and Maryland Selected as Grand Prize Winners
New Mexico’s Lovington Municipal Schools, California’s Compton Unified School District, and Maryland’s Charles County Public Schools are the Grand Prize winners in the 30th annual Magna Awards program sponsored by the National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) flagship magazine, American School Board Journal (ASBJ).
In addition to the three Grand Prize winners, 12 Silver Award winners were selected. The Magna Awards recognize school districts and their leaders for innovative, out-of-the-box thinking to address district challenges. Members of the NSBA Board of Directors Awards Committee selected the winners from district submissions.
“The Magna Awards celebrate the incredible innovation and leadership of school districts that are finding creative solutions to complex challenges,” said Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs, NSBA Executive Director and CEO. “This year’s winners demonstrate the profound impact that visionary school boards and educators can have on their communities, from expanding mental health services to promoting college access and supporting students with autism. We are honored to showcase their outstanding work and hope they inspire others to think boldly in support of student success."
Grand Prize-winning programs:
Under 5,000 enrollment:
New Mexico’s Lovington Municipal Schools: Lovington Autism Center for Education and Services (L.A.C.E.S.) is a specialized program that provides instruction and support services to students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
5,000 to 20,000 enrollment:
California’s Compton Unified School District: Compton Goes to College! is a high school graduation and college access initiative to remove educational inequities and disparities that have hindered stu¬dent success in the Compton community.
Over 20,000 enrollments:
Maryland’s Charles County Public Schools: Expansion of Mental Health Services plan addresses an explosion of student mental health needs by expanding early intervention screenings, embracing remote mental health supports, identifying critical funding sources, and more.
Representatives from the three Grand Prize-winning districts will present at NSBA’s Annual Conference and Exposition, April 4-6, in Atlanta, GA. The Grand Prize and Silver Award winners were also highlighted in the April issue of ASBJ.
Silver Award-winning programs:
Under 5,000 enrollment:
- West Springfield School District, West Springfield, Massachusetts, Bridging Success: Language & Cultural Support for Students, Staff, and Families
- Roosevelt Union Free School District, Roosevelt, New York, Black and Hispanic History 365 (BH365) and Latin History 365 (LH365) Social Studies Program
- Franklin Square UFSD, Franklin Square, New York, Daily Living Skills Center
- School City of East Chicago, East Chicago, Indiana, Student Support Team
5,000 to 20,000 enrollment:
- Southwest ISD, San Antonio, Texas, The SWISD Penguin Project
- Caroline County Public Schools, Denton, Maryland, Food Connection Project
- Gadsden Elementary School District No. 32, San Luis, Arizona, Early College Program
- Pocono Mountain School District, Swiftwater, Pennsylvania, STEAM Integration Program
Over 20,000 enrollment:
- Detroit Public Schools Community District, Detroit, Michigan, Charles R. Drew Transition Center Horticulture Program
- Tacoma Public Schools, Tacoma, Washington, Beyond the Bell and Club B
- Adams 12 Five Star Schools, Thornton, Colorado, Newcomer Programming and Supports
- Prince George's County Public Schools, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Project: Creativity