ISD One of Three Districts Nationwide Selected for 2026 Magna Awards

Issaquah was selected as one of three grand prize winners in the 31st annual Magna Awards Program, along with Illinois’ East St. Louis School District 189, and Maryland’s Prince George’s County Public Schools. The program is sponsored by the National School Boards Association and the Go Green Initiative. Winners were honored for their commitment to improve indoor air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Our Indoor Air Quality program reflects our commitment to safe, healthy learning and working environments in every school,” said Julius Carter, Issaquah School District Director of Facility Services. "Clean air is the result of careful planning, consistent maintenance and a daily focus on continuous improvement by skilled technicians and custodians who monitor and adjust systems in real time to prevent small issues from becoming larger concerns. It is also about staying ahead of the curve, anticipating needs, maintaining strong control systems and responding before equipment fails, all while recognizing that resources are limited.”

Our district was selected as the winner among districts with enrollment between 5,000 and 20,000 students. The Issaquah 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.

Two of the indoor air quality initiatives that the Facility Services team has tackled recently included a dust collector for Issaquah High School's wood shop, and replacement of some classroom carpet at Apollo Elementary.

“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.”

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.

Sponsored by NSBA’s flagship magazine, American School Board Journal, 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 from eligible district submissions. 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.