Prop 28: California’s Arts and Music in Schools Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act
In November 2022, California voters passed Proposition 28 (Prop 28): The Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act. This proposition mandates the state to apportion additional funding to support art programs in schools from 2023 onward. Public schools, charter schools, kindergartens, and State Special Schools are eligible to receive funding. The apportioned amount given to schools is equal to 1% of the prior year’s funding from Proposition 98, which establishes a minimum guaranteed funding for schools and community colleges. Arts programs include, but are not limited to, music, visual arts, theater, media arts, film, carpentry, dance, graphic design, computer coding, and costume design programs.
How Does Prop 28 Fund Arts and Music in Schools?
The California Department of Education will divide the money and distribute it to Local Education Authorities (LEAs) (e.g., school districts and individual schools). The LEAs will then allocate the money to each eligible school in their area. School administrators are encouraged to work with their teachers to create a plan on how to spend the funds they receive. Schools will receive funds equitably, with 70% of the total funding going to schools based on enrollment and 30% going to schools based on the rate of economically disadvantaged students. The funding each school receives must be spent in two ways. The first 80% of the money must go to hiring and paying employees to teach art education. The remaining 20% may be spent on supplies, supplemental services, training, and partnership programs related to the arts. Annually, the local governing body will review each school’s spending and post a public report. Any money not expended will be returned to the Department of Education. While the numbers are not final, Prop 28 is expected to bring in $933 million to be shared among schools in California.
Actions to Consider
With extra dedicated funds, schools will be able to onboard new teachers to create more robust art programs. Schools will be able to buy updated instruments, equipment, and programs and invest in training so that students receive advanced art education. Nonprofits and businesses dedicated to creating programs for art education may also benefit. School administrators are allowed to use allotted funds to pay for partnership programs that bring new and innovative education to students. These partnerships will benefit both students and staff, bringing outside experience and connections to students.
Nonprofits and businesses that have training programs related to the arts should contact school administrators, arts program coordinators, and relevant career technical education programs to see how Prop 28 funding can support their programs in the classroom.
Please contact us to learn more about Prop 28.
