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Pomona Unified board approves Prop 28 arts-and-music annual report, 4-1
Summary
The Pomona Unified School Board voted 4-1 to approve the district's Prop 28 Arts and Music in Schools annual report for fiscal year 2024-25. Staff said hiring difficulties required waivers that allowed the district to use funds for materials and equipment while it continues recruiting for certificated arts positions.
The Pomona Unified School District board on Oct. 15 approved the district's Proposition 28 Arts and Music in Schools annual report for fiscal year 2024-25 by a 4-1 vote. The report describes how the district allocated the new state funds, the number of positions funded, students served and the challenges the district faces in hiring arts staff.
The report, presented by Alejandro Villas, Director of State and Federal Programs, said Prop 28 funds are intended to supplement, not supplant, local arts programs and are focused on visual and performing arts, including dance, media arts, music, theater and visual arts. For 2024-25 the district reported 5.6 full-time equivalent certificated teachers funded from Prop 28, no classified FTEs funded by Prop 28 for that year, one teaching aide FTE, 5,002 students served and arts instruction provided at 34 school sites.
Villas told the board that persistent statewide hiring challenges for arts teachers required the district to request and use state-approved waivers that allow some Prop 28 funds to be spent on instruments, materials and equipment while recruitment continues. He proposed next steps that include targeted recruitment, working closely with human resources and bargaining units, crediting years of service as an incentive, continuing community arts partnerships and finalizing a district VAPA strategic plan.
Board member Dr. Pearlman moved the measure; Dr. Nashua seconded. The motion passed 4-1 with one dissenting vote. No additional staffing details or school-level expenditure plans were added during the meeting.
Supporters said the district needs to keep Prop 28 dollars focused on instruction and staffing, while opponents urged continued emphasis on hiring teachers rather than relying on materials purchases. Villas said the district expects to request a waiver again for the 2025-26 allocation if staffing shortages persist.
The district will post the Prop 28 annual report and continue to coordinate with principals and teachers on school expenditure plans and the broader VAPA strategic plan.
