Prop 28 - Annual Report

Narrative Description of the Prop 28 Arts Education Program(s) Funded: 

California’s Proposition 28: The Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act provides additional funding for Arts and Music Education in California Public Schools. Proposition 28 provided approximately $1.7 million to increase Arts Education in the Baldwin Park Unified School District. It mandates that a minimum of 80% of each school’s allocation must be spent on staffing, including certificated or classified District employees. 

Beginning in summer 2023, BPUSD launched collaborative efforts through Summer Committees. These groups, composed of district personnel and Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) educators, were instrumental in shaping the BPUSD Strategic Arts Plan. Their work focused on increasing equity and access to arts education for all students.
 
With Proposition 28 funding, BPUSD implemented several impactful initiatives: 
  1. Elementary Art Instruction: Three itinerant Elementary Art Teachers were hired to deliver comprehensive art education to students in grades TK–5.
  2. Elementary Music Expansion: The Strings Program was expanded through the addition of music personnel, enriching musical opportunities for young learners.
  3. Middle School Drama and Art: Olive Middle School introduced an Introduction to Drama elective, while Jones Middle School added two new visual arts electives, broadening creative options for students.
  4. Drama Education at Sierra Vista: A dedicated drama teacher now provides theater instruction at both Sierra Vista Middle School and Sierra Vista High School.
  5. High School Music Access: Baldwin Park High School added a Beginning Piano elective, offering students a foundational entry into instrumental music.
  6. Art at Continuation School: North Park Continuation School now offers art electives, ensuring VAPA access regardless of students’ educational pathways.
  7. Dance and Cultural Enrichment: BPUSD continued its partnership with Conga Kids at the middle school level, introducing students to diverse dance styles that foster cultural awareness and socio-emotional growth. 
These initiatives reflect BPUSD’s commitment to fostering creativity, cultural literacy, and equitable access to arts education for all students. 
 
As of the close of fiscal year 2024-25, funding was utilized for the following: 
Number of full-time equivalent teachers (certificated) hired: 4.2 
Number of full-time equivalent personnel (classified) hired: 0 
Number of full-time equivalent teaching aides hired: 0 
Number of students served: 4,381 
Number of school sites providing arts education: 12 

Unexpended funds from the 2024-2025 school year will be carried forward to each school site for the 2025-2026 academic year.