1. What exactly can Prop 28 music funding be used for?
Prop 28 funding is for expanding arts and music education programs.
- At least 80% must be used to hire new certificated arts teachers or increase hours for current arts teachers.
- Up to 20% can go towards instruments, supplies, equipment, and materials needed to support these programs.
Learn more about Prop 28.
2. Is Prop 28 funding only for hiring new music teachers, or can we expand current staff hours?
You can do both:
- Hire new certificated music teachers, or
- Expand the hours of current certificated music teachers.
The funds must supplement existing programs, not replace your general fund allocations.
3. Can Prop 28 funds be used to pay existing general education teachers to teach music part-time?
Only if those teachers have a valid music credential (or a single subject arts credential in music).
Prop 28 requires that arts instruction be delivered by credentialed arts teachers in the appropriate subject area, so general education teachers without a music credential cannot be paid to teach music under this funding.
4. How does the waiver process work if we can’t find certificated music teachers?
If your district or school cannot hire a certificated arts teacher after good faith efforts, you can:
- Apply for a waiver through the California Department of Education (CDE). The waiver process is being finalized, with updated forms expected in Summer/Fall 2024-2025.
- If granted, the waiver allows you to use funds for non-certificated arts providers, such as teaching artists or qualified vendors like After School Music Academy, to deliver music education to students.
5. Can we use Prop 28 funds to partner with outside music programs or vendors?
Yes, you can partner with outside music programs or vendors like After School Music Academy to provide music instruction if:
- You have first attempted to hire certificated teachers, and
- You obtain a waiver if partnering with non-certificated teaching artists or instructors.
ASMA offers turnkey music education programs with qualified instructors, making them a strong partner for schools needing immediate support.
6. Can Prop 28 funds be used for instruments, supplies, and equipment?
Yes. Up to 20% of your Prop 28 funds can be used to purchase instruments, supplies, and equipment needed to support your expanded music programs.
7. How do we report and track Prop 28 music spending for compliance?
You are required to:
- Track all spending, ensuring it aligns with Prop 28 requirements.
- Submit annual reports to the state detailing your use of funds, including staffing and program purchases.
Qualified partners like After School Music Academy can assist with reporting documentation when contracted as your program vendor.
8. Does Prop 28 cover after-school or enrichment music programs, or only during the school day?
Prop 28 funds can support before school, during the school day, and after-school enrichment programs, as long as:
- Instruction is standards-based, and
- Led by a credentialed music teacher or an approved provider with a waiver.
Programs like those offered by After School Music Academy can integrate into your after-school offerings under these guidelines.
9. Can teaching artists or non-credentialed instructors be funded through Prop 28?
Yes, but only if you obtain a waiver after demonstrating good faith efforts to hire certificated teachers.
With a waiver, you can fund:
- Teaching artists
- Non-credentialed music instructors
- Qualified vendor programs like After School Music Academy
10. How do we align Prop 28 music programs with our existing ELOP or CCSPP programs?
Prop 28 can enhance your ELOP or CCSPP programs by funding music instruction within these structures.
Partnering with organizations like After School Music Academy ensures seamless integration with your existing enrichment and extended learning programs.
11. What is the timeline for spending Prop 28 funds each year?
Prop 28 funds are allocated annually. While the law does not explicitly require funds to be spent by June 30 of the allocation year, it is best practice to plan spending within the fiscal year to ensure timely use, compliance, and program continuity.
Key points for administrators:
- Funds are intended to support arts programs in the school year they are allocated.
- Carryover is allowed, but your district should document the reason for carryover and how the funds will be used to expand arts instruction in the following year.
12. How do smaller schools maximize their Prop 28 music funding if they receive limited allocations?
Smaller schools can:
- Share a certificated music teacher across multiple school sites within their district to optimize staffing.
- Partner with qualified vendors like After School Music Academy to provide consistent music education, especially if they cannot hire a certificated teacher and obtain a waiver.
- Combine Prop 28 funds with ELOP enrichment funding to expand arts program offerings efficiently.
13. What are the benefits of partnering with organizations like After School Music Academy for Prop 28 implementation?
Partnering with After School Music Academy (ASMA) offers:
- Turnkey music programs tailored to your funding.
- Qualified instructors, including teaching artists who can serve under a waiver if needed.
- Standards-based curriculum aligned with VAPA goals.
- Program management and reporting support, saving your staff time while ensuring compliance.
14. How does Prop 28 impact our general arts or music budget moving forward?
Prop 28 funds are additive, meaning they cannot replace your current general fund arts spending.
Your existing arts budget must remain in place, and Prop 28 funds must be used to expand and enhance arts education beyond what you already provide.