Prop 28 Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prop 28?

Proposition 28 (Prop 28) is a California voter-approved initiative that provides ongoing funding to expand arts education in public schools. These funds are in addition to a school's regular education funding and are intended to increase student access to high-quality arts programs.

  • Eligible recipients include:

    • Public preschools operated by a school district or county office of education

    • Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through Grade 12 public schools

    • Charter schools

  • Schools do not apply for Prop 28 funding. Proposition 28 funding varies by school and is calculated annually by the California Department of Education based on student enrollment and the number of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

    To find your school's current allocation:

    • Ask CODA, the County Office Digital Assistant, which can instantly look up your school's Prop 28 funding and answer many common Prop 28 questions, to access, visit: https://cacountyarts.org/ask/

    • You may also contact your school district or visit the California Department of Education's Proposition 28 funding webpage for annual allocation information.

  • Prop 28 funds are intended to expand arts education opportunities for students.

    Funding may support:

    • Dance

    • Music

    • Theatre

    • Visual Arts

    • Media Arts

    It may also be used for related programs such as photography, animation, graphic design, filmmaking, music composition, sculpture, painting, drawing, and other arts learning experiences.

  • Yes. Schools may use Proposition 28 funds for arts instruction during or outside the regular school day, including after-school, summer, and off-campus programs, provided the expenditures meet Proposition 28 requirements.

  • Yes. Schools may partner with nonprofit organizations (such as Children’s Creative Project), teaching artists, and community arts organizations to provide arts instruction and programming. These partnerships are an allowable use of Proposition 28 funds within the program requirements.

  • No. Prop 28 funding is intended to supplement—not replace—existing arts education funding. This means schools should use the funds to expand or enhance arts opportunities rather than replace programs or funding that already exist.

Prop 28 FAQs for

School Leaders

  • Each school district (or Local Educational Agency/LEA) determines how Proposition 28 funds will be used in accordance with state law. Individual schools develop spending plans that align with district priorities and local student needs.

  • School districts with 500 or more students must spend at least 80% of Proposition 28 funds on certificated or classified employees providing arts instruction.

    If a district cannot reasonably meet this requirement, it may request a waiver from the California Department of Education.

  • Only the school district, county office of education, or charter school (LEA) may submit a waiver. Individual schools, principals, PTAs, or community organizations cannot submit waiver requests.

  • A waiver may be submitted at any time during the three-year spending period for a specific Proposition 28 allocation year. If approved, the waiver applies to that allocation for the remainder of its expenditure period.

  • The California Department of Education reviews waiver requests on a rolling basis and notifies the district directly. If additional information is needed, the district may revise and resubmit its request.

  • Each annual allocation may be spent over a three-year period, giving schools flexibility to plan and implement meaningful arts programming.

  • Proposition 28 established an ongoing funding source for arts education. Annual funding amounts may vary from year to year based on the state's funding formula, but the program is designed to provide continuing support for arts education in California public schools.

  • Children's Creative Project (CCP) partners with schools and districts to help maximize Proposition 28 funding through standards-aligned arts education programs, experienced teaching artists, and customized programming that meets local needs.

    You can also contact Kai Tepper Jahnke, Executive Director, at ktepper@sbceo.org.