Prop 28 Funding for Arts & Music in San Deigo Schools
Prop 28 brings new state funding dedicated to arts and music education. ASMA helps San Diego schools turn those dollars into programs students love, while staying compliant.
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 San Diego Unified 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.”
Why It Matters for San Diego
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 San Diego Unified 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.”
Programs San Diego Schools Can Launch with Prop 28
We offer turnkey, SD-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 Made Simple
We understand the rules. In San Diego, we assist with:
80/20 staffing vs. materials breakdown
District and school reporting, audits
Program rollovers and multi-year fund planning
Waiver requests or flexibility conversations when needed
Impact in San Diego
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
San Diego Prop 28 FAQs
What is Prop 28?
Prop 28 is California’s new law that provides annual arts and music funding to public schools.
Can San Diego 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).
Which schools qualify in San Diego County?
All public schools — district-run and charter — across San Diego County qualify. This includes large districts like SDUSD, Chula Vista, Sweetwater, and San Marcos, as well as smaller rural districts.
Do Prop 28 funds roll over if unused?
Yes. Unused funds can roll into the next fiscal year, but they must remain dedicated to arts and music programs.
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).
What if a school doesn’t have staff to launch programs right away?
Districts may contract with vendors like ASMA for turnkey solutions or request waivers through the state if staffing proves challenging. When schools partner with us, we also help walk them through the waiver process step by step to ensure compliance and make implementation seamless.
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.