EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189 has been named a Grand Prize winner in the 31st annual MAGNA Awards, a national recognition program sponsored by the National School Boards Association (NSBA) and the Go Green Initiative.
The East St. Louis School District is one of only three school systems nationwide to receive this prestigious honor, alongside districts in Washington and Maryland. The MAGNA Awards, presented by the American School Board Journal, recognize exemplary and innovative school district programs across the country.
East St. Louis School District 189 was recognized for its leadership in improving indoor air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting a strong commitment to student health, environmental sustainability, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
“This recognition places East St. Louis among the nation’s leaders and affirms that our district is setting the standard for how schools can innovate, modernize, and put student well-being first,” said Superintendent Arthur R. Culver. “Our students deserve to learn in environments that reflect their worth, and this work ensures they have healthier, high-quality learning spaces where they can thrive every day.”
School District 189’s award-winning efforts are driven by a comprehensive, districtwide strategy centered on energy efficiency, environmental health, and modernized learning environments. Key initiatives include the installation of high-efficiency HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality, building envelope enhancements such as air sealing and insulation upgrades, and a transition to LED lighting to reduce energy consumption and cooling demands. School District 189 has also expanded its commitment to sustainability and air quality through the addition of 25 electric school buses.
The East St. Louis Board of Education was recognized for its leadership in advancing these initiatives, positioning School District 189 as a national model for sustainable practices in education.
School District representatives were honored at the NSBA Annual Conference and Exposition, held April 10–12, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. During the conference, a video highlighting East St. Louis School District’s work was featured, and Superintendent Culver participated in a fireside chat. In addition, Joe Haskell, Director of Maintenance, Operations and Risk Management, delivered two presentations, including a Master Class, showcasing the School District’s initiatives.
The East St. Louis School District’s work was also highlighted in the April issue of American School Board Journal, published online.
East St. Louis School District 189 acknowledges the support of key partners, including Ameren Illinois, J.S. Held, and Go Green Initiative in advancing efforts to improve indoor air quality and progress toward becoming a carbon-free school district.
“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,” said Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs, Executive Director and CEO of NSBA. “Their commitment to healthier schools and a healthier planet sets a powerful example for communities nationwide.”
“School districts are proving that protecting student health and protecting our climate go hand in hand,” added Jill Buck, CEO and founder of the Go Green Initiative. “These leaders are creating safer classrooms today and a more sustainable future for every child tomorrow.”
The 2026 MAGNA Awards program recognized school districts that implemented new indoor air quality management plans and demonstrated measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Winners were selected by members of the NSBA Board of Directors Awards Committee and Go Green Initiative senior staff.
East St. Louis School District 189 is focused on providing rigorous, high quality education and exceptional educational experiences to the nearly 4,600 students within the community. Our vision is for students to be supported physically, socially, and emotionally in a safe and nurturing environment to achieve academic success that prepares them for college, the workforce, and citizenship in the 21st century. For more information, visit www.estl189.com. Follow more great stories @estl189 on Facebook and Twitter.
