March 18, 2026
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) earned the National Grand Prize in the 2026 Magna Awards for its trailblazing work in improving indoor air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Sponsored by the National School Boards Association (NSBA), the award recognizes PGCPS as the top school system in the nation (over 20,000 students) for successfully integrating environmental health into student achievement goals.
The award highlights the district’s success in implementing a comprehensive Indoor Air Quality management plan, developed in collaboration with the Go Green Initiative (GGI) and aligned with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. These efforts are a central pillar of the PGCPS Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), a landmark initiative established in 2021 to transition the district toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.
“This recognition is a testament to our belief that every child, regardless of their zip code, deserves to learn in a space that is safe, healthy, and built for the future,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph. “Our Climate Action Plan is a moral obligation to the ‘whole child.’ By prioritizing air quality and sustainability, we are removing barriers to wellness and ensuring our facilities support the academic excellence our community deserves.”
Through its Sustainability and Resilience office, PGCPS has institutionalized air quality monitoring and emission-reduction strategies. These actions directly support the CCAP’s mission to reduce the district's environmental impact while improving student wellness and academic outcomes.
The Magna Awards have recognized exemplary school district programs for more than three decades. The 2026 program specifically focused on districts that demonstrated measurable progress in environmental health and carbon footprint reduction.
District leaders will present their award-winning strategies at the NSBA Annual Conference and Exposition, held April 10–12 in San Antonio, Texas. PGCPS will also be featured in the April issue of the American School Board Journal.
Learn more about the district’s sustainability efforts here.
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