2026 Magna Awards Header

2027 Magna Awards 

Submit an Application

The 2027 Magna Awards program focuses on improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To be eligible for the awards, school districts must enact a NEW IAQ Management Plan and document reductions in GHG emissions. 
 
The National School Boards Association (NSBA) and the Go Green Initiative (GGI) will acknowledge all winning school districts during an awards breakfast at NSBA’s 2027 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., April 2-4. Grand prize-winning school districts will present their programs during a special Magna Awards education session during the conference. 
 
Throughout the year, school districts can earn points toward the awards by attending in-person and online training. School districts are encouraged to have representatives of the following stakeholder groups receive training: School Board Members, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, School Business Officer, Facilities Manager, Health Officer, Head Custodian, and Parent Leader.
 
NSBA Member State Association districts and CUBE districts, are eligible to apply for the 2027 Magna Awards. If you are uncertain about your membership status, please contact member services at memberservices@nsba.org.
 
A grand prize winner and silver award winners will be recognized in three enrollment categories: under 5,000 enrollment, 5,000-20,000 enrollment, and over 20,000 enrollment. All winning districts will be featured in the April 2027 issue of American School Board Journal. 

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

View information about past winners

Submit a new Indoor Air Quality Management Plan in accordance with EPA guidance for Model IAQ Plan: Up to 100 points  

(Free training available here)

Document greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 12 months: Up to 50 points, per the details below:

(Free training available here)

  • 10 points for documenting GHG emission for 20% of the schools in your district
  • 20 points for documenting GHG emission for 30% of the schools in your district
  • 30 points for documenting GHG emission for 50% of the schools in your district
  • 40 points for documenting GHG emission for 75% of the schools in your district
  • 50 points for documenting GHG emission for 100% of the schools in your district

Attend 2026 In-person training at NSBA convenings:

  • 2026 CUBE - Breakout Session with Go Green Initiative CEO: 100 points  

Attend Ten (10) Monthly Webinars on Indoor Air Quality and GHG Emissions for School Districts:
(Choose any ten (10) webinars from the list and earn 12 points each. Information on webinars can be found here. Participants will be sent a registration form that will allow them to receive a Certificate of Completion.)

Complete Online Training Courses listed below:
(Information on courses can be found here. Participants will be sent a registration form that will allow them to receive a Certificate of Completion.)  

Creating an IAQ Management Plan - based on EPA Guidance  

  • Mission Statement: 10 points
  • Role of IAQ Coordinator and IAQ Team: 10 points
  • Background and IAQ Findings: 10 points
  • IAQ Policies and Plans: 10 points
  • Procedures: 10 points
  • Staff Responsibilities for Maintaining Good IAQ: 10 points
  • Applicable Local and State Requirements/Regulations: 10 points
  • Emergency Response: 10 points
  • Steps to Prevention: 10 points  

Document GHG Emissions  

  • Energy Star Portfolio Manager Overview: 10 points
  • Add Properties: 10 points
  • Populate Energy Usage Data: 10 points
  • Run GHG Emissions Report: 10 points

TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 500 points