FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC (September 9, 2025) — Magnet Schools of America (MSA), the national voice for magnet and theme-based schools, celebrates a major advocacy win: both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS-Education) appropriations bills preserve funding for the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) at $139 million. This outcome comes despite proposals from the Trump Administration to eliminate the program in the FY26 President’s Budget Request and broader education funding cuts across federal agencies.
“Level funding for MSAP in both chambers is a clear recognition of the power of magnet schools to advance opportunity, innovation, and excellence in public education,” said Ramin Taheri, CEO of Magnet Schools of America. “At a time when education resources are under historic pressure, we are proud that Congress continues to prioritize magnet schools as a proven, high-impact model.”
The win reflects the tireless advocacy of MSA members and allies, who engaged with lawmakers over the past several months to highlight the role of magnet schools in promoting choice, fostering innovation, and expanding opportunities for students from all walks of life.
“Magnet schools open doors to innovative learning—whether through STEM, the arts, language immersion, career pathways, Montessori, or International Baccalaureate,” said Dr. Kimberly R. Lane, President of Magnet Schools of America and Senior Director of Magnet & Curriculum Enhancement Programs, Wake County Public School System. “Sustaining federal support means sustaining opportunities for families and ensuring every student can access an engaging, future-focused education.”
While negotiations continue between the House and Senate to finalize FY 2026 appropriations, this bipartisan support for MSAP is a critical step in protecting and sustaining the nation’s largest and most established form of public school choice.
“MSA will remain engaged with Congress as the appropriations process moves forward,” Taheri added. “We are extremely grateful to the House and Senate Appropriations Committee for their continued bipartisan support for magnets, and urge Congress to complete its work without delay, ensuring that schools and districts can access the resources they need to serve students and families.”
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Founded in 1986, Magnet Schools of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education association representing and serving the nation’s thousands of magnet and theme-based schools.
Media Contact:
Jenna Roberson
Director of External Affairs
Magnet Schools of America
jenna.roberson@magnet.edu
