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FJUHSD outlines Prop 28 plan; district to prioritize hiring and site plans for arts funding
Summary
Fullerton Joint Union High School District presented its Prop 28 implementation plan, detailing a roughly $2.05 million 2023–24 allocation, an 80% personnel requirement and a three‑year planning window for sites. The district has hired two theater technicians and will create site plans for local spending and reporting.
Fullerton Joint Union High School District trustees heard a detailed presentation on Proposition 28 — the state arts and music funding guarantee — and the district's plan for spending and reporting the new funds.
Assistant Superintendent Sylvia Kaufman and Director Joshua Porter said the district's 2023–24 Prop 28 allocation totals approximately $2,052,598. Porter said the funding model requires at least 80% of annual allocations be spent on personnel to deliver arts instruction and the remaining roughly 20% on supplies, materials, training and partnerships. "The funding allocation is divided into two distinct areas — 80% is designated for personnel and cannot be used for any other purpose," Porter told the board.
District staff described a multi‑year implementation approach. Sites have three years to develop and spend their individual allocations; district leaders are preparing one‑page planning sheets that include site funding allocations, needs assessments and timelines. The district also created position‑control worksheets to demonstrate compliance and to help track which positions are newly funded by Prop 28 for required annual state reporting.
Michael Despars, the district's teacher on special assignment for VAPA, summarized planning work: the district revisited and condensed a 55‑page strategic arts plan into a one‑page summary highlighting five strategic areas — course access, alignment with state frameworks, professional development, instructional materials and partnerships. Despars said site planning will emphasize access for students with disabilities and English learners, expansion of arts pathways and professional development for educators.
Kaufman and Porter described early hires and staffing decisions tied to the allocation. The district has hired two theater technicians to support Sonora, Troy, Sunny Hills and Buena Park sites, and plans to fund a full‑time TOSA (teacher on special assignment) to support curriculum, instruction, and site plan development. Porter said sites are expected to begin submitting first drafts of Prop 28 site plans immediately, with plans from the 2023–24 allocation due by February 2025 and spending to begin in 2025.
Trustees asked clarifying questions about the distinction between one‑time arts grants and the ongoing Prop 28 allocation and about timing for hiring and course additions. Kaufman and Porter explained that earlier arts block grants were one‑time funds while Prop 28 provides an ongoing annual allocation that adjusts with enrollment and that the 3‑year window allows sites to plan and roll out positions and programs without prematurely supplanting existing funding.
The district emphasized compliance: sites must document that newly funded positions begin with the 2023–24 allocations where required and the district will report funded positions to the state by July 31 each year. Staff said training and site support will continue through 2025 as plans move from drafts to approved site plans.
The presentation concluded with staff offering continued technical assistance to site administrators and an invitation for feedback as the district finalizes site plans and annual reporting.
