District expands arts and music programs with Prop 28 funds, wins Golden Bell recognition

Mark Anderson, coordinator of music, arts and physical education, and Matthew Slusser, assistant superintendent of administrative services, presented the district’s plan for expanding arts instruction that the board has prioritized under Proposition 28 funding.

Anderson said the district expanded music staffing to include a roving music teacher role and now has roughly 26 music teachers serving every site. He also announced a new districtwide visual-arts program supported by six art TOSAs delivering standards‑based instruction to preschool through sixth grade. "This marks the first time in ASD history that a dedicated team of teachers is providing consistent standards‑based visual arts instruction to every student," Anderson said.

Slusser told trustees the district received approximately $2,600,000 in Proposition 28 funds but said the grant alone is not sufficient to achieve the board’s full vision; the district continues to centralize and supplement arts funding. The presentation highlighted partnerships (Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Mariachi Heritage Society and others), performing ensembles including district mariachi and school musicals, and plans for dedicated facilities such as a visual arts studio, clay lab, a music and arts professional development center, and instrument repair/storage.

The board also heard that the district’s music program won a 2025 Golden Bell Award and that ASD was named by the NAMM Foundation as a best community for music education for seven consecutive years. Trustees asked presenters to continue public outreach as the district develops a comprehensive strategic arts plan with teachers, parents and community members.