BALTIMORE, MD — Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) is a Silver Award winner in the National School Boards Association (NSBA) 2024 Magna Awards, which recognizes district programs and their leaders for addressing a district challenge with creativity and out-of-the-box strategies.
For the 29th edition of the awards, City Schools was recognized for its 21st Century School Buildings Program, a partnership between City Schools, the Maryland Stadium Authority, and Baltimore City to rebuild or renovate 28 schools in efforts to transform student opportunities and achievement, provide jobs and resources to families, and help revitalize neighborhoods.
“The Magna Awards spotlight innovative programs that are making a difference for students and the communities where they live,” said NSBA Executive Director and CEO Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs. “From providing incarcerated individuals with essential job readiness training and hope for the future to preparing students for the ever-evolving landscape of careers through specialized programs, each of our Grand Prize-winning programs exemplifies the transformative power of education. These award winners serve as shining examples of what can be achieved when creativity and dedication intersect in the pursuit of excellence."
To date, the 21st Century School Buildings Program has filled 948 positions in construction with city residents – tripling its initial commitment – and has delivered $352 million in contracts with Minority Business Enterprise companies. The program stems from one of seven Board Strategic Priorities created by the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, which ensures the district has high-quality, modernized facilities and resources that support the success of students, educators, administrators, and staff.
“The Board is truly humbled and honored to be acknowledged for our unwavering commitment to innovation and student success. We believe it is important for our City Schools staff, students, and families to have modernized facilities they are proud of. The 21st Century School Buildings Program is yet another example of the Board’s collaborative efforts to ensure students have the best possible learning environment equipped for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. This prestigious award is a win for the Board, but most importantly, for our students”, said Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners Vice Chair Shantell L. Roberts.
To celebrate this award win, the NSBA has invited City Schools and the other prize-winning districts to present at NSBA’s Annual Conference in New Orleans in April and featured in the April issue of the NSBA’s flagship magazine, American School Board Journal (ASBJ).
Please click here to read April’s ASBJ issue. The NSBA's publication here explains the Silver Award winners.