Ocean View trustees receive Prop 28 arts-and-music annual report and expand staffing

Dr. Rasheeda Gates, director of teaching and learning, presented the Ocean View School District’s Prop 28 Arts and Music Funding Annual Report for fiscal years 2024–25 at the Sept. 30 board meeting.

Gates explained that Prop 28, approved by California voters on Nov. 8, 2022, provides a stable funding source for arts and music programs and is distributed to schools based on enrollment with more funding directed to schools serving higher percentages of academically disadvantaged students. "Eighty percent or more of the funding is devoted to new art staffing, and the remaining 20% may be used for training, supplies, materials, and educational partnerships," Gates said.

The district used Prop 28 funds in 2024–25 to add two itinerant art teachers serving grades 3–5, a theater literacy intervention teacher at Westmont, a new middle‑school dance elective at Mesa and Vista, and a student tech production team at Marine View. Gates said current year staffing increases include an additional itinerant music teacher at the elementary level, a contracted teacher for transitional kindergarten, four itinerant art teachers and retained classified tech production staff.

Trustees praised the report and the work of teachers and PTAs in filling earlier gaps. Board members noted that arts programs often face cuts during major budget reductions and said Prop 28 helps stabilize and expand offerings. The board voted 5‑0 to receive and approve the Prop 28 report. Gates closed by announcing district music and arts events scheduled for March 19 and April 2.

The board also congratulated Marine View for receiving a Golden Bell Award for arts programming earlier in the week.