Beat the rush and apply early -- American School Board Journal is accepting applications online through October 15 for the 2009 Magna Awards, a national program that honors best practices in school districts.

Co-sponsored by ASBJ, the National School Boards Association, and Sodexo School Services, the Magna Awards recognize programs that showcase district leadership, creativity, innovation, and commitment to student achievement. Nominations are being accepted at www.asbj.com/magna2. There is no cost to apply and eligible districts must be members of the state school boards association.

An independent panel of judges looks for programs that are developed or actively supported by the school board and the result of appropriate board leadership and collaboration.

Nominations are judged in one of three categories -- under 5,000 enrollment; 5,000-20,000 students; and over 20,000 students. One grand prize winner is selected in each category and receives a $3,500 award from Sodexo School Services. Five additional winners and honorable mention awards also are selected from each enrollment category.

All Magna winners and honorable mention recipients are recognized in a special supplement published with the April issue of ASBJ. Winners and honorable mention recipients will be recognized at the School Leaders Luncheon during the NSBA Annual Conference in San Diego in April. The Magna Awards publication is also published online at www.asbj.com/magna.

Kathleen Vail, Managing Editor