Prop 28 Funding for Arts & Music in San Jose Schools
Turn guaranteed Prop 28 dollars into joyful, standards-aligned music and arts programs without adding work to your team.
Why Prop 28 matters in San Jose
1% of the state’s K–12 budget is dedicated to arts & music, every year.
Funds flow directly to districts and charter schools; at least 80% must be used for staffing (personnel) and up to 20% may be used for instruments/equipment/supplies. A waiver is also possible in specific circumstances when staffing is not feasible.
Districts retain local control to choose partners and program models that serve their students and community.
ASMA’s role: We function as a contracted partner/vendor to help San Jose schools deploy staffing and programming that meet the intent and guardrails of Prop 28 while aligning with ELOP, CCSPP, and site initiatives.
Built for San Jose &
Santa Clara County
We proudly support schools across San Jose Unified, East Side Union, Alum Rock, Franklin-McKinley, Evergreen, Oak Grove, Berryessa, and surrounding districts, bringing quality arts and music programs to classrooms and afterschool sites across the county.
Programs Long Beach Schools Can Launch with Prop 28
We offer turnkey, San Jose-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.
Compliant by design (Prop 28 rules at a glance)
- 80% staffing / 20% supplies: Our scopes prioritize people first—teaching artists, para‑educators, and music specialists.
- Waiver pathway: If recruiting is constrained, we’ll outline a waiver‑supported plan that temporarily increases non‑staff costs while we continue hiring.
- Vendor vs. employee: ASMA serves as a contracted partner (vendor); services fall within the 20% partnership allowance, not the 80% employee staffing requirement—unless the district opts to onboard our instructors as hourly staff. We’ll align the model to your compliance preference.
- Reporting & outcomes: Attendance, SEL skill targets, standards alignment, and end‑of‑session showcases with media releases.
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
San Jose Prop 28 FAQs
How does Prop 28 funding reach our school?
Funds are allocated to districts/charters; site leaders work with district teams to plan spending. We’ll align to your internal process and timelines.
Can Prop 28 cover afterschool programs?
Yes. Prop 28 supports arts and music during the day and expanded learning. We design scopes that integrate with ELOP and site‑based afterschool.
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.