Proposition 28, officially known as "The Arts and Music in Schools — Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act," was approved by nearly 7 million California voters in November 2022. The proposition aims to provide a minimum source of annual funding to supplement arts education programs in PK–12 public and charter schools in California. Pre-K and charter schools must be state-funded to be eligible for Proposition 28 funding.
The California Department of Education (CDE) is responsible for implementing and establishing guidelines for Proposition 28. They can be contacted via email at Prop28@cde.ca.gov. The CDE website provides additional information. Key points about Proposition 28 include:
Funding: Proposition 28 provides annual funding (estimated to be approximately $800 million to $1 billion per year) for arts education programs, in addition to the Prop 98 education funding guarantee. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) can expect to receive approximately $112 per student, along with an additional $85 per economically disadvantaged student.
Funding Allocations: The funding is allocated using an equity formula. Seventy percent of the funds go to PK-12 public schools based on enrollment, while 30% of the funds go to public schools based on the share of economically disadvantaged students (Title I students).
Funding Usage: The majority of the funding (80%) must be used to provide arts education instruction through certificated or classified employees. Up to 20% can be allocated for arts education support, including training, supplies, materials, and arts educational partnership programs. Additionally, up to 1% of the total funds can be used for administrative costs.
Supplementation Requirement: Proposition 28 requires that the allocated funds "supplement" existing funding for arts education programs and not replace or supplant existing expenditures. Schools and districts must increase their current arts education spending using the Proposition 28 allocation.
Reporting Requirements: Each school site principal or program director must develop an expenditure plan, and LEAs must submit an annual board-approved report detailing how the funds were spent and certify that they were used according to the requirements.
Waiver Process: The California Department of Education has the authority to grant waivers from the funding requirements upon written request from a school principal, based on "good cause" shown. The process for waiver submission and review is yet to be clarified.
Teacher Credentialing: Updates as of May 2023 mention proposed changes to support the implementation of Proposition 28, along with other improvements to the educator workforce, such as residency grant programs and expedited teaching credential application processes for out-of-state teachers.
Arts Educational Partnerships: The California Department of Education may provide a waiver from the 80% funding requirement. Without a waiver, up to 20% of funds are available for various arts education supports, including training, supplies, materials, and arts educational partnership programs, including contracts with arts providers.
It's important to note that this summary is based on the available information up until September 2021. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Proposition 28 and its implementation, it is recommended to reach out to the California Department of Education or consult official sources related to education in California.