HOWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ – All 12 schools in Howell Township Public Schools have met the requirements to earn Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification and Digital Schools Star recognition, bringing the total number of certified schools statewide to 358. These schools are recognized for implementing sustainability practices that enhance student learning, strengthen school operations, and serve as models for schools across the state.
Among the district’s honorees, Howell Township Middle School North has been named the 2026 Sustainability Champion in the middle school category by Sustainable Jersey for Schools. The school earned the highest number of certification points among middle schools certified through the program in 2026. Representatives from Howell accepted the award at the Sustainable Jersey for Schools Annual Awards Luncheon during the New Jersey School Boards Association’s Workshop 2026 in Atlantic City.
Joseph Isola, Superintendent of Schools said, “The Sustainable Jersey for Schools and Digital Schools Star programs provide valuable opportunities to reflect on our existing practices, identify areas for growth, and continue advancing sustainability and digital learning throughout our schools. Through these programs, we have strengthened our commitment to sustainable practices, leveraged technology to support personalized instruction, and fostered a culture of innovation that benefits our students, staff, and broader school community.
We are especially proud that Howell Township Public Schools is the only district in New Jersey to have all of its schools achieve both Silver level certification and Digital Schools Star recognition in 2026. Additionally, this marks Middle School North’s second time earning the prestigious Sustainability Champion Award among middle schools statewide. These accomplishments reflect the ongoing dedication and collaborative efforts of our educators, administrators, students, and community partners.”
Launched in 2014, Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a voluntary certification program that provides a framework for pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade schools to build and sustain sustainability programs through measurable, evidence-based actions. Today, 1,237 schools participate in the program, advancing initiatives in energy conservation, waste reduction, climate education, digital learning, and other sustainability priorities. Schools earn points by completing sustainability initiatives across a broad range of categories, with 150 points required for bronze certification and 350 points required for silver certification.
In addition to certification, 22 schools statewide earned Digital Schools Star recognition, 12 of which were Howell Township schools, representing more than half of all schools recognized across New Jersey. This distinction recognizes schools demonstrating excellence in digital learning and technology integration through strong practices in policy, equitable access, personalized learning, digital citizenship, and data privacy and security.
“Today’s challenges—including climate resilience, responsible resource use, and access to healthy food—call for strong sustainability literacy. Preparing students with the knowledge, skills, and problem-solving abilities to address these issues supports both career readiness and engaged citizenship,” said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “Sustainable Jersey-certified schools function as real-world learning environments where students gain hands-on experience that brings sustainability concepts to life. This year’s award winners show what’s possible when communities make sustainability a priority. Congratulations to all of the schools certified this year, and thank you for setting an example for schools across New Jersey.”
Certification is valid for three years. To view each school’s certification report, visit the Participating Districts and Schools webpage.
About Sustainable Jersey for Schools
Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a free, voluntary certification program for pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade public schools in New Jersey. The program provides guidance, support, and recognition to schools that implement steps to be sustainable in their operations and proactive in preparing students for the challenges they will face in the future. Today, 68% of New Jersey public school districts and 1,237 schools are participating. To date, Sustainable Jersey for Schools has awarded over $3.9 million in grants. Visit the Participating Districts and Schools webpage to learn more.