Fullerton district outlines Prop. 28 spending plan, staffing priorities and asks board to approve annual report
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Summary
District staff presented the Proposition 28 annual report and district plan, detailing site-based FTE planning, over 75 planned arts support positions, and proposed course additions; the board approved the plan 4–0.
District administrators presented the Fullerton Joint Union High School District’s Proposition 28 annual report and district plan for 2025–26 and recommended board approval.
Assistant Superintendent Sylvia Kaufman opened the presentation by summarizing the statutory requirements under Prop. 28 and the district’s planning timeline. Director of Educational Services Michael Despars outlined the implementation approach: converting an earlier 55-page strategic arts plan into one-page site goals, using planning sheets that specify allocations, timelines and recommended positions, and applying position-evaluation criteria aligned with the law to prioritize hires.
Staff said Prop. 28 allocations are tied to enrollment and the district used a needs assessment and site training to develop plans. Despars cited examples of courses added above baseline this year including a film course at Fullerton Union High School, a technical theater course at La Habra High School and an orchestra course at Sonora High School. He said the district identified more than 75 planned support positions — including dance specialists, vocal coaches and artists in residence — intended to be available to every student on district campuses.
Kaufman said the district will use one-time funds to "clean up" the FTE count for 2024–25 and that sites would have access to year‑1 and year‑2 allocations to allow for purchases like expensive instruments. Staff emphasized annual budget and trimester reviews to monitor spending and proposed metrics such as QR-code check-ins and 5‑Star tracking to capture participation. "Priority will go to positions needed in the fall as well as those that are year-long," Despars said.
Board members asked clarifying questions about position titles (one example discussed was a percussion-related role referred to as a "low battery specialist") and how inclusion for special education and English learner students would be tracked. Staff replied that SMART goals were site-specific and would include targets for increased participation among special-education and English learner populations, and that temporary stipends may be converted to permanent roles if evaluations show impact.
After discussion the board approved the Proposition 28 annual report and district plan for 2025–26 by a 4–0 vote.
What happens next: Staff will proceed with hiring and site plan implementation, monitor spending through trimester reviews, and report back in future budget updates.
