For 30 years, Healthy Schools Network has led the national movement to protect children and school staff from indoor air hazards, toxic exposures, mold, chemicals, and climate-related risks. Founded in 1995 by Claire L. Barnett, the organization grew from a New York State steering committee into a nationally recognized nonprofit transforming school environmental health. Barnett’s leadership, sparked by her son’s illness from toxic exposure at school, has earned widespread acclaim, including recent Marquis Who’s Who recognition for excellence in environmental health. As cofounder of National Healthy Schools Day, initiated in 2002, she continues to guide efforts linking healthy school environments with better student and staff outcomes.
To mark this milestone, Healthy Schools Network recently hosted a six-part national speaker series as part of National Healthy Schools Day (April 13–17, 2026). The series, Healthy Schools at 30: The Path Forward, featured 18 expert presenters and drew nearly 240 participants, including policymakers, researchers, health professionals, and K-12 educators.
Sessions explored timely and critical topics such as funding for federal school infrastructure, research on children’s environmental health and indoor air quality, climate resilience strategies, state policy pathways, groundbreaking legislation like the Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act, and a reflective capstone on 30 years of progress with priorities for the decade ahead.
These engaging virtual events strengthened momentum for creating and sustaining healthier schools nationwide. Healthy Schools Network extends deep gratitude to our outstanding speakers, moderators, and partners, and all the dedicated participants and registrants, for making the series a resounding success.
Coming Soon: Watch the full webinar recordings and continue the momentum at healthyschools.org.
Healthy Schools Network Leadership Updates
We are pleased to announce that Jennifer Lemon has been appointed Acting Executive Director of Healthy Schools Network as of April 1 (no fooling!).
Jennifer joined our team as Assistant Executive Director on January 5. She brings more than 27 years of experience leading communications, partnerships, and public health initiatives across federal agencies, nonprofits, and consulting firms. Most recently, at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Jennifer led large-scale outreach campaigns and built strong relationships with schools, agencies, and community partners. Her expertise will be invaluable as we continue to broaden our impact and advance healthier school environments for all children.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to John Reeder, our outgoing Executive Director, for his dedicated leadership and many contributions to Healthy Schools Network. John has been instrumental in advancing our mission, and we are delighted that he will remain actively engaged with the organization as Senior Policy Consultant.
Please join us in congratulating Jennifer on her new role and thanking John for his outstanding service. We look forward to this exciting new chapter as we celebrate 30 years of Healthy Schools Network.
New Grant Opportunity for Healthier, More Efficient Schools
Attune has launched the national Future-Ready Facilities Grant to help school districts improve indoor air quality, energy use, and water systems through real-time monitoring and data tools. The program will award 25 districts a share of $500,000 in funding, along with support for technology, training, and implementation. Attune has experience with hundreds of P-12 school systems nationwide.
Priority will be given to districts serving high-need communities, including Title I and underserved schools, with applications open through May 15, 2026. You may also nominate schools for a grant award. Learn more and apply.
Guest article: Reconnecting Children with Nature: A Pathway to Better Health and Learning
We have an exciting guest article for this issue of NewsSlice, written by Jacqueline Mosby, an expert on the effects of access to nature on children’s cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
Dr. Jacqueline Mosby is a public health scientist and recently retired senior executive from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where she spent more than 30 years leading efforts to protect public health and the environment. Her doctoral research was grounded in attention restoration theory (ART); her work explored how access to natural environments can support student mental well-being and stress recovery; and her master’s research highlighted the connection between pesticide exposure, asthma, and indoor air quality, emphasizing the importance of integrated pest management (IPM) in schools.
Other Resources: EPA School IAQ Newsletter – Spring Edition is now available.
This edition spotlights spring challenges like leaks, humidity, mold, pollen, and HVAC issues, with practical tips on maintenance and filtration for healthier schools. Learn more about the 2026 Better Buildings Summit (May 11–13), radon contest winners, and additional webinar resources.
