Prop 28 Funding for Arts & Music in Long Beach Schools
Turn guaranteed Prop 28 dollars into joyful, standards-aligned music and arts programs without adding work to your team.
What is Prop 28?
Prop 28 is California’s new law that provides ongoing, annual funding to every public school in the state, specifically for arts and music education.
Funds must be used for programs like music, theater, visual arts, and media arts.
At least 80% must go toward staffing (teachers, instructors, program leaders).
Up to 20% may be used for supplies, instruments, and program expenses.
For Long Beach and surrounding districts, this means more opportunities to hire arts educators, expand music programs, and give students access to experiences that were once considered “extras.”
What Prop 28 means for Long Beach
Prop 28 dedicates at least 1% of California’s K-12 budget to arts & music—creating a protected stream for instruction, staffing, and (up to 20%) instruments/materials. Funds are allocated automatically by CDE, with equity weighting.
Why it matters in Long Beach: LBUSD is already scaling VAPA staffing and site access. Your school can expand or launch music & arts—during the day or in Expanded Learning—without touching other budgets.
Programs Long Beach Schools Can Launch with Prop 28
We offer turnkey, LB-Ready programs including:
Pop Band – modern, engaging music ensembles
Electric Music Lab – hands-on with keyboards, synths, and digital music
- Premier Concert Band – full band experience with woodwinds, brass, percussion, and state-aligned music standards.
- Banda – ukulele and guitar class blending chords, strumming, and group performance.
- Drum Circle – collaborative drumming that teaches rhythm, creativity, and cultural connection.
Compliance, Reporting & The 80/20 Rule—Handled
80%+ on personnel: We staff credentialed/qualified instructors; we track hours and provide reports to simplify audits. California Department of Education
Up to 20% for instruments & supplies: We provide curated kits by program (djembes, practice pads, keyboards) and guide purchasing so you’re audit-safe. After School Music Academy
Waivers & AMS portal: If you need flexibility, we’ll help you understand the waiver process and timelines.
Impact in Long Beach
With Prop 28, every dollar invested can mean:
New arts instructors on staff
Students discovering creative voices they didn’t know they had
Stronger school identity and culture
More joy and engagement in school life
Long Beach Prop 28 FAQs
Can Prop 28 fund after-school music at my LBUSD site?
Can Long Beach districts partner with outside vendors?
Yes. Districts can contract with external providers like ASMA to deliver arts and music programs, as long as they meet Prop 28 compliance rules (credentialed staff, 80/20 spending).
What about the 80/20 spending rule?
At least 80% must fund staffing (personnel). Up to 20% may purchase instruments, equipment, and supplies, or a waiver may be submitted for approval if your site requires more flexibility. We design programs to stay fully compliant with Prop 28 guidelines.
We’re short on arts teachers—what are our options?
How can Prop 28 help schools that already have music programs?
Funds can be used to expand existing programs, reduce class sizes, or introduce new ensembles (like mariachi, drumline, or digital music labs).
Do you serve K-5 only, or secondary too?
Both. We run age-appropriate programs TK–12, including performance-based band labs at secondary. (LBUSD has robust secondary electives; we complement them with residencies/clubs.)
Meet After School Music Academy’s Founder
In 2015, David created After School Music Academy after witnessing a need for more music education in the after-school enrichment space. By serving California’s schools through this shortage, David uniquely understands the challenges school districts face to onboard quality music and arts enrichment programs. In the last decade, ASMA has grown to serve thousands of students each week.