MUSD Earns Second Consecutive Silver Honor in State Green Ribbon Schools Awards

MOORPARK, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2026)—For the second consecutive year, Moorpark Unified School District has been named a Silver-level honoree in the California Green Ribbon Schools awards, again earning distinction as the only school district in Ventura County to receive the recognition.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced that 26 schools, 12 school districts and one county office of education were selected as 2026 California Green Ribbon Schools award winners. The program recognizes excellence in resource conservation, health promotion and environmental literacy.

“Our California Green Ribbon Schools reflect the very best of what is possible when innovation, equity and environmental stewardship come together,” Thurmond said in a statement announcing this year’s honorees.

Moorpark Unified was one of 12 districts recognized statewide and the only district in Ventura County to achieve Silver-level status.

“Being recognized at the Silver level for the second year in a row is an honor, and it motivates us to continue reaching for gold,” Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays said. “Our commitment to sustainability, student wellness and environmental literacy is ongoing. We’ll continue strengthening our efforts and holding ourselves to the high standards reflected in this award.”

The California Green Ribbon Schools program evaluates schools and districts in three areas: reducing environmental impact and costs, improving the health and wellness of students and staff, and providing effective environmental and sustainability education.

In recent years, Moorpark Unified has expanded solar energy installations across school sites, strengthened water conservation efforts, integrated environmental literacy into classroom instruction and continued investing in student wellness initiatives. Sustainability efforts extend from facilities and operations to curriculum and campus culture, reinforcing environmental responsibility as both a practice and a learning priority.

Nathan Inouye, assistant director of Instructional Services, who again led the district’s application process, said the recognition reflects a districtwide effort.

“This honor belongs to our students, staff and the entire MUSD community,” Inouye said. “As educators, we have a responsibility to help students understand how to care for this planet. They are the future scientists, innovators and leaders, and our goal is to model what it looks like to take meaningful steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

The California Green Ribbon Schools program mirrors the U.S. Department of Education’s national Green Ribbon Schools initiative. Honorees will be recognized at a statewide ceremony later this year.