Summary - 2026 Fall Policy Training Conference hosted by Magnet Schools of America

This year’s conference will focus on four critical questions:

How should districts respond to declining student enrollment and growing competition for students?
What are the opportunities, risks, and policy implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for teaching, learning, school operations, and workforce preparation?
What will the 2026 midterm elections mean for education policy and federal funding priorities?
How can the magnet school community help shape the next generation of the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP)?

You’ll gain critical policy insights, meet with federal policymakers, sharpen your advocacy skills, help influence the future of magnet and theme-based schools, and connect with magnet leaders nationwide.

Let’s shape the future of education—one voice at a time.

Kevin Madden is a senior partner at Penta, helping lead the firm’s integration of strategic advisory, advocacy, communications, and issue management capabilities for clients around the globe.

Kevin served as a senior strategist and spokesman on three presidential campaigns, most notably the Romney for President campaign in 2012. In addition to his national campaign experience, Kevin was a top congressional leadership staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving as spokesman and communications strategist in the Office of the House Majority Leader. Kevin also served as deputy director of public affairs and national spokesman for the Department of Justice.

Kevin’s experience as a frequent guest on national and international news outlets has earned him a reputation as a sought-after media strategist and crisis communications manager. He served as an on-air contributor to CNN from 2013 to 2019 and currently serves as a public affairs analyst for PBS Newshour.