After more than a decade of steady growth and success, Sustainable Jersey for Schools is embarking on a year-long refresh of its certification program and website to ensure it remains relevant, impactful, and responsive to the needs of New Jersey’s public schools. The 2027 certification cycle will pause to focus on rebuilding the website, updating and streamlining actions, and enhancing the overall certification program.

The new website is scheduled for launch in Fall 2027 with the annual certification cycle process returning in January 2028. Sustainable Jersey for School's grant cycles, technical assistance opportunities, and events, including the Sustainability Summit, will continue during the pause in 2027.

What to Expect in 2028

• Updated program actions
• A new Gold level of certification 
• Digital Schools Star recognition will continue but without the need for a separate application
• More user-friendly website interfaces
• New website search features

How this Impacts Your School’s Certification

• Certification and digital schools star applications will not be reviewed in 2027.
• Certifications and digital schools stars expiring in 2027 will be extended to August 31, 2028.
• All approved actions in every certification application with expiration dates in 2027 will be extended to August 31, 2028.
• The lookback period for documentation will be extended in the 2028 certification cycle. For example, if the action requires the documentation to be from the current or previous school year, documentation from the current or previous two school years will be accepted.
• The current website will remain active and applications can be updated in anticipation of the 2028 certification cycle.
• All current and past information related to school certifications and supporting documentation will be migrated to the new website.