Proposition 28: Expanding Arts and Music Education in California

In November 2022, California voters approved Proposition 28 (Prop 28)—the Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act. This measure mandates additional state funding for arts education in public schools, charter schools, kindergartens, and State Special Schools beginning in 2023. The funding allocation is equivalent to 1% of the previous year’s Proposition 98 funding, which establishes a minimum funding guarantee for schools and community colleges.

Eligible programs encompass a broad range of disciplines, including:

• Music

• Visual arts

• Theater

• Media arts and film

• Carpentry

• Dance

• Graphic design

• Computer coding

• Costume design

Funding Allocation and Oversight

The California Department of Education administers Prop 28 funds, distributing them to Local Education Authorities (LEAs), such as school districts and individual schools. The allocation is determined as follows:

• 70% based on total student enrollment

• 30% based on the percentage of economically disadvantaged students

Schools must utilize the funding in two primary ways:

• At least 80% must be allocated to hiring and compensating arts education personnel.

• Up to 20% may be used for supplies, training, supplemental services, and partnership programs.

To ensure accountability and transparency, local governing bodies will conduct annual reviews of expenditures and publish public reports. Any unspent funds must be returned to the Department of Education. While projections are subject to adjustment, Prop 28 is expected to provide approximately $933 million annually for arts education across California.

Opportunities for Schools, Nonprofits, and Businesses

With dedicated funding, schools have the opportunity to:

• Expand arts education programs through the hiring of additional faculty

• Acquire new instruments, equipment, and instructional materials

• Invest in professional development for arts educators

Additionally, nonprofit organizations and businesses specializing in arts education may benefit from partnerships with schools. Prop 28 funding enables educational institutions to collaborate with external organizations to enhance arts programming, introduce innovative curricula, and provide students with industry-relevant experiences.

Organizations offering arts-related training or educational services are encouraged to engage with:

• School administrators

• Arts program coordinators

• Career technical education (CTE) program leaders

For more information on Prop 28 and potential collaboration opportunities, please contact us.