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Newport Independent Schools wins American School Board Journal Magna Award for equity program


The Newport Independent Schools has won a major national award for the district’s efforts to bring educational equity to all students.

Newport is a first place winner of the prestigious Magna Award, which is sponsored by the National School Boards’ Association’s flagship magazine, American School Board Journal. Newport was honored among districts of under 5,000 students.

The Magna Awards, supported by Sodexo, a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and food service operations, honor districts across the country for programs that break down barriers for underserved students. A panel of school board members, administrators, and other educators selected the winners from 200 submissions.

“It takes commitment to start an equity program and fortitude to sustain it,” Thomas J. Gentzel, National School Boards Association Executive Director & CEO, said in a statement. “I congratulate the 2019 Magna Award winning districts for performing the hard and sometimes unpopular work to ensure all of their students are supported and provided with the tools and opportunities needed to succeed.”

Newport Board of Education Chairwoman Ramona Malone said she is especially proud that the district received The Magna Award because it recognizes efforts to ensure that all students are being properly served.

“I have long said that our primary responsibility as a school district is to provide our students with the opportunities they need to succeed, not just while in school but later in life as well,” Malone said.

“Winning this award is evidence of the hard work and commitment by the Newport Schools community to engage all of our students and provide them with the opportunities and tools they need.”

Newport Independent Schools


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