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Prop 28: Arts and Music in Schools Funding

Proposition 28, approved by California voters in 2022, ensures ongoing funding to enhance arts and music education in public schools. Starting in the 2023–24 school year, it allocates an additional 1% of the state’s required funding for K–12 education to arts programs. Schools with 500 or more students must use at least 80% of these funds to employ arts education staff, with the remainder for training, supplies, and partnerships. Below are links to our school plans and the annual Local Education Agency Plan for the San Mateo Union High School District.

2025-26 School Year Plans:

Forthcoming

2024-25 School Year Plans:

Aragon High School

Burlingame High School

Capuchino High School

Hillsdale High School

Mills High School

Peninsula High School

San Mateo High School

Funding Overview:

Each year, the CA Department of Education will allocate funds to SMUHSD to support the Visual and Performing Arts programs of the SMUHSD schools and receive an allocation based on enrollment and the number of economically disadvantaged students.  The first two years of the program have allocated the following amounts:

  • 2023-24: $1,050,126.00 
  • 2024-25: $1,070,126.00
    • AHS Allocation:
    • BHS Allocation:
    • CHS Allocation:
    • HHS Allocation:
    • MHS Allocation:
    • PHS Allocation (including Bridge Academy): 
    • SMHS Allocation 

How Allocation Decisions are Made:

  • Representative School Teams decide where the money is allocated:  Each School can enhance its VAPA program utilizing the following guidelines set by Proposition 28 and put that into a plan:

    • 80% of funds must be used to hire or retain arts education staff, such as teachers or paraprofessionals, to enhance the program directly.
    • The remaining 20% can be used for professional development, instructional materials, and partnerships with arts organizations and artists in residence. 
    • Schools have flexibility in deciding which arts programs (e.g., visual arts, music, theater) to prioritize based on their students' needs and interests.
    • A waiver can be used to allow for a different distribution of 80% vs. 20%. 

Fiscal Responsibility:

  • Each school district must ensure the funds are used according to the guidelines. Annual audits will be conducted to verify compliance. Schools must also report how the funds were spent to ensure transparency and accountability.