School communicators shape how families, staff and communities feel about their schools, and while their work is absolutely essential, it’s sometimes taken for granted. That’s why we created our annual SchoolCEO Excellence in School Marketing Award: to shine a spotlight on their amazing work.
Here’s the exciting news: Nominations for the 2026 SchoolCEO Excellence in School Marketing Award are now open! If you know someone who demonstrates innovation, efficacy and a commitment to lifting up other school communicators, we want to hear about them.
Complete this form by May 31 to tell us why your favorite K-12 comms pro deserves to be celebrated. All finalists will receive a complimentary ticket to the 2026 SchoolCEO Conference: All In: AI, Brand and Communications this September 28-29 in Dallas, where the winner will be announced live.
What do finalists receive?
Each of our four finalists will receive a free ticket to this year’s SchoolCEO Conference, where they’ll be recognized for their outstanding work. They’ll also each be profiled in the Fall 2026 issue of SchoolCEO magazine.
Tell me more about the conference.
SchoolCEO Conference is not your typical education conference. We bring in top voices in communications, marketing and brand—and send you home with strategies you can actually use. With all-new breakout sessions and workshops this year, you’ll leave ready to put ideas into action. Not only that, you can connect with school leaders from across the country, swap what’s working (and what’s not), and walk away with insights you won’t find anywhere else. Finally, SCEOC lets you step away from the office noise and give yourself space to think and ideate.
We’re offering our VIPs our biggest discount on conference registration through April 30th. This is the absolute best rate we offer all year, so if you’ve been sitting on the fence, now’s the time to reserve your spot for All In: AI, Brand and Communications, September 28-29 in Dallas, Texas. Yeehaw!
What if I’ve already bought a ticket?
Don’t let the award keep you from making plans. If you’ve already bought a ticket or intend to buy one while Early Bird pricing is still available, go ahead. Anyone who is named a finalist but already holds a ticket will simply be refunded the cost of that ticket.
How will nominees be judged?
We’d like to honor innovative, self-directed school communicators whose work is advancing the field of school marketing. Our ideal candidate:
Has personally spearheaded at least one groundbreaking initiative that has made a measurable difference for their district.
Is extremely knowledgeable about school branding and marketing, and can speak at length about how the field is changing.
Contributes to the broader school comms community through state associations, mentorship or other avenues.
Who is eligible to be nominated?
Any school or district employee whose central focus is marketing and/or communications is eligible for this award. Nominees may live in either the U.S. or Canada. District superintendents or school principals are not eligible. Previous finalists or winners will not be considered.
What can nominees expect from the process?
Once they’re nominated by a colleague, each nominee will receive a congratulations email with an attached questionnaire for them to fill out. Based on these questionnaires, we will select semifinalists and interview them over Zoom. In July, we’ll announce our four finalists!
Do nominees have to be Apptegy clients?
They do not! While SchoolCEO is powered by Apptegy, our finalists (and winners!) have included clients and non-clients alike. We only aim to celebrate good people doing good work.
What is the deadline to nominate?
Nominations close May 31. Nominate your school communicator today and show them the recognition they deserve!
Have more questions?
Email us at editor@schoolceo.com.