Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation to Sponsor Key Panel on K-12 Transparency at SPN 2026

Ensuring transparency and accountability in K-12 education is a topic of increasing importance for parents, educators, and policymakers alike. As the public school system continues to evolve, understanding who funds educational initiatives and what content is being taught in classrooms has become a central concern. The Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation (MFF) is stepping forward to address these vital issues by sponsoring a panel at the 2026 State Policy Network (SPN) Annual Meeting.

According to the foundation, this upcoming panel, titled "Transparency, Parental Power, and Exposing Foreign Influences in K–12," will delve into the critical need for visibility into curriculum and funding sources within American public schools. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, from 3:30 to 4:15 PM ET, at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida, aims to explore methods for upholding transparency, accountability, and the alignment of educational content with American values.

A Commitment to Educational Integrity

The Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation's decision to sponsor this panel underscores its long-standing dedication to educational integrity and community empowerment. Adam Milstein, co-founder of MFF, is described as an Israeli-American "Strategic Venture Philanthropist" and community leader. Together with Gila Milstein, a community leader and philanthropist in her own right, they have built a foundation that supports a vast network of nonprofit organizations.

The foundation’s approach, according to its announcement, involves supporting over 200 nonprofit organizations and facilitating more than 1,000 collaborations among them. This collaborative model connects groups focused on research, legal advocacy, media accountability, and education, amplifying their collective impact beyond what any single organization could achieve. This strategic philanthropy aims to create a more informed and engaged public, particularly concerning issues that affect the next generation.

For parents, understanding the origins of educational materials and the influences shaping their children's learning environments is paramount. This panel seeks to equip them with insights and strategies to advocate for greater transparency. Similarly, teachers can benefit from discussions that clarify the landscape of curriculum development and external partnerships, ensuring their focus remains on providing the best possible education.

Addressing Foreign Influence in Classrooms

A key focus of the upcoming panel will be the issue of foreign influence in K-12 education. Adam Milstein stated, "Educational institutions that accept foreign funds must face scrutiny and accountability." This sentiment highlights a growing concern among parents and policymakers about the potential for external interests to shape educational narratives or introduce biases into the curriculum.

The panel will bring together a distinguished group of experts to explore these complex issues:

• Kate Bierly, Campaign Director, Next Generation Texas at Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF)
• Deb Kraulidis, Moms for America (Grassroots)
• Dr. Brandy Shufutinsky, Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) (Moderator & Panelist)
• Chen Rosenberg Klein, Milstein Foundation (Panel Lead)

These panelists, whose work spans parental organizing, curriculum research, foreign funding investigations, and the academic study of antisemitism, share a common belief: what happens in a classroom should be a matter of public record and public accountability. Their diverse perspectives promise a robust discussion on how to maintain the integrity of American education.

For students, particularly those in K-12, a clear and unbiased learning environment is crucial for developing critical thinking skills and a comprehensive understanding of the world. Resources like COSMIQ, a free voice-driven AI tutor, offer additional support by providing accessible and personalized learning experiences, helping students navigate complex topics and strengthen their academic foundations without external influences.

Building on Previous Successes

The MFF's sponsorship of this panel marks its continued engagement with the SPN Annual Meeting. The foundation previously sponsored a panel at the 2025 SPN Annual Meeting in New Orleans, which focused on fostering American values and countering radical ideology in education. This consistent involvement demonstrates the foundation's sustained commitment to these critical conversations within the policy arena.

The Milstein Family Foundation's proactive role in facilitating these discussions at national forums like the SPN Annual Meeting is a testament to its mission. By bringing together experts and fostering dialogue, the foundation aims to empower communities and ensure that educational systems are transparent, accountable, and aligned with the values they seek to uphold. This effort provides valuable context for parents and teachers navigating the complexities of modern education, offering a platform for shared understanding and collaborative solutions.

The 2026 SPN Annual Meeting panel promises to be an insightful session, offering valuable perspectives on safeguarding the integrity of K-12 education for all American students.