Prop 28

2023-2024

PROP 28 REPORT   2023-2024

 The following information will be submitted through the PROP 28 portal on the CDE website. 

1) NARRATIVE

For the 2023-2024 academic year, initial expenses focused on program support. With finances available in March, addressing program inventory gaps was a priority. This allowed sites to provide new instruments, costumes, set materials, and art & digital media supplies to students. Many aging programs had supplies well beyond their life expectancy, and larger purchases had been out of reach for years. Growing programs benefitted from these purchases, facilitating arts education for larger student populations. Newer schools had outgrown their original inventory. Across six sites, funds were spent on inventory needs, and new classified staffing, equivalent to four full-time positions. This spending addressed immediate needs and set up a tentative budget for new staffing in 2024-2025.

The immediate benefits of these expenditures were evident. In music classes, new instruments allowed students to practice individually, enhancing their skills more rapidly, especially for those preparing for competitions and performances. Theater departments also experienced a boost with new costumes and set materials, enabling more elaborate productions and enhancing students' learning and performance experience.

In visual arts and digital media programs, new supplies enabled students to explore a broader range of techniques and mediums, enriching their educational experience and better preparing them for future academic and career opportunities.

The hiring of new classified staff played a crucial role in enhancing the educational environment. These staff members provided much-needed support in managing larger class sizes and maintaining the new equipment, ensuring effective resource utilization. Their presence also allowed for more individualized attention to students, addressing their unique needs and helping them achieve their full potential.

The strategic allocation of funds for the 2023-2024 academic year has laid a strong foundation for continued growth and success. By addressing immediate needs and planning for future staffing enhancements, the individual sites have demonstrated a commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering an environment where students can thrive creatively and academically.

2) CERTIFICATED FTEs - 0

3) CLASSIFIED FTEs - 3.8 

4) TEACHING AIDES - 0 

5) STUDENT IMPACT - 4288

6) SCHOOLS PROVIDING PROP 28 ARTS EDUCATION - 6

Date of Approval by Governing Board/Body: 06/13/2024

Annual Report Data URL: http://smusd.org

Completed by: Matthew Armstrong

Title: Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator

Email: matt.armstrong@smusd.org

Telephone: 760-592-1275

2024-2025

1) NARRATIVE

2024–2025 Narrative Report

During the 2024–2025 academic year, expenditures continued to prioritize replacing aging inventories and expanding access to high-quality arts instruction across all sites. Essential supplies for music, visual art, theater, and digital media programs remained a focus, supporting both foundational needs and continued program growth.

A major step forward was the addition of full-time elementary performing arts teachers at every elementary site, along with full-time classified music assistants and 3D Arts Studio Technicians. These roles significantly enhanced classroom support, allowing for deeper student engagement and stronger instruction in music and visual arts. In addition, new Baile Folklórico and Color guard, classes expanded opportunities in culturally responsive and performance-based arts. Numerous part-time classified positions were also added to manage larger class sizes and support instruction across all art forms. This expanded staffing allowed for more effective supervision, maintenance of new materials, and more personalized support for students. Strategic partnerships contributed to a full day of elementary performing arts training, visual arts

essential standards alignment, and secondary music training. A half-day session supported dance standards alignment. These sessions helped align instructional practices across the district and empowered teachers to deliver standards-based, creative instruction. Funding also supported contracts enabling middle school programs to perform at professional venues, offering students authentic performance experiences that elevate both skill development and confidence. These investments in staffing, professional learning, and performance opportunities reflect a continued commitment to equity, excellence, and student growth in the arts.

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2) CERTIFICATED FTEs - 12.4

3) CLASSIFIED FTEs  - 17.25

4) TEACHING AIDES - 0

5) STUDENT IMPACT - 12,328

6) SCHOOLS PROVIDING PROP 28 ARTS EDUCATION - 17

Date of Approval by Governing Board/Body: 06/12/2025

Annual Report Data URL: http://smusd.org

Completed by: Matthew Armstrong

Title: Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator

Email: matt.armstrong@smusd.org

Telephone: 760-592-1275