MSA CEO

09/30/2026

LOVED this visit!

09/24/2026

📣 Heading to the MSA Policy Training Conference—or still deciding?

Join us September 30 for a special pre-conference webinar designed to help you understand what to expect in Washington, D.C., and make the most of your time on Capitol Hill.

We’ll cover what happens during Hill visits, how MSA can help facilitate congressional meetings, and practical ways to prepare for conversations with policymakers and congressional staff.

Whether this is your first Hill visit or you’ve done it before, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to prepare and what to expect.

🗓️ September 30 | 1 p.m. ET
🔗 Register: https://heyor.ca/w1jkTM

08/18/2026

I'll be speaking at the 2026 Emerging School Models Conference at the Harvard Kennedy School on September 17-18! This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the expanding landscape of school choice, shaped by recent state legislation and the new federal scholarship tax credit program. We'll discuss a range of issues on , including about , and other topics impacting education, like AI, personalized learning, school finance, and the future of educational opportunity. Don't miss it! Register to join in-person or virtually: https://bit.ly/4pM32s6

Magnet Schools of America

08/17/2026

If you vote for just one SXSW EDU session, make it this one (but by all means vote for as many as you like):

⭐ Reclaiming the School Choice Narrative: What Americans (Really) Want ⭐

Together with Diana Suarez, founding partner of Coaction Collective, and Jonathan Voss, founder of Voss Research and Strategy, we’ll explore national polling commissioned by Magnet Schools of America on what Americans actually think about public-school choice, and we'll explain how to turn those findings into actionable community-engagement strategies.

➡️ Vote here: https://participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sxsw27/community-voting-edu/page/community-voting/session/1783623889259001iirz

08/05/2026

🎤 Announcing Our Opening Speaker: Kevin Madden

The policy landscape is changing quickly, and education leaders need more than headlines—they need insight. That's why we're excited to welcome Kevin Madden as the opening speaker for the 2026 MSA Policy Training Conference.

Drawing on decades of experience in government, national politics, and strategic communications, Madden will provide an inside look at today's political and policy environment—and what it means for education leaders and the future of magnet schools.

His opening session will set the stage for three days of timely discussions on federal education policy, the future of the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP), student enrollment trends, artificial intelligence, legal developments, and more.

📅 October 28–30, 2026
📍 Washington, D.C.

🔗 Register today: https://heyor.ca/07SmMn

07/09/2026

Ever wonder how we measure student performance across the country? In the latest episode of Magnet Schools of America's podcast, the Magnet Voice, I’m joined by Dr. Peggy G. Carr, former commissioner of National Center for Education Statistics and the longtime "voice of the Nation's Report Card."

Dr. Carr explains the science behind the National Assessment of Educational Progress (aka NAEP, or the Nation's Report Card) and why it's much more than just another test. Just a few things we covered:

✅ How we identify bright spots in terms of student success—like the "Mississippi Miracle"
✅ Why a positive school climate is almost a prerequisite for success, and how NAEP data looks at much more than academic achievement
✅ How parents and educators can look at national trends to advocate for better student outcomes

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just an education nerd who wants to listen to a legend of education statistics (Dr. Carr, not me), there's so much to get from this episode.

Tune in here: https://youtu.be/_bVX3oFh7js

And don't forget to subscribe to the Magnet Voice for more insights from the front lines of public education!

How are students performing today—and what can education leaders le...

05/18/2026

Calling all magnet folks! 📣📣📣

This summer, Magnet Schools of America is bringing magnet educators and leaders together for a new LIVE virtual professional development experience designed specifically for magnet professionals.

From theme integration and project-based learning to certification, leadership, marketing, and policy, these interactive workshops offer practical strategies you can immediately apply in your school or classroom.

✔️ Register for individual workshops
✔️ Build your own three-workshop bundle
✔️ Or unlock unlimited access to the full series

The first workshops begin June 8 — secure your spot today and start building your summer learning plan.

Register now: https://web.cvent.com/event/81719274-715d-4638-8172-1532052301f3/summary

05/07/2026

In public education, the tireless work of educators and the amazing accomplishments of students too often go unnoticed or underappreciated. That's why Magnet Schools of America always seeks to highlight the great work our members do -- to bring them some much-deserved recognition. Case in point: we were so proud to announce EBR Schools as the winner of the 2026 District of the Year in our competition. Having visited several magnets in EBR, I can personally attest to the tremendous opportunities they provide students. Congratulations, EBR! 🏆 See more from WBRZ Channel 2: https://www.wbrz.com/news/ebr-schools-named-national-magnet-district-of-the-year-at-san-diego-magnet-conference/