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Corona‑Norco Unified highlights Prop 28‑funded VAPA expansion, seeks arts‑equity resolution
Summary
District presenters told the board that Prop 28 and one‑time grants have funded equipment, theater upgrades and staff expansion across TK–12 VAPA programs, citing $20.7 million in allocations and proposing a board resolution to make CNUSD an "arts equity district."
District leaders and VAPA (visual and performing arts) staff presented an update to the Corona‑Norco Unified School District board describing large‑scale expansion of arts access across the district, funded by Prop 28 and one‑time grant money.
Dr. Michelle Usher, the district’s VAPA lead (self‑identified during the presentation), and Dr. Jeremy Goins summarized program growth, staffing increases, and major purchases supported with grant and Prop 28 funds. The presentation stated that $20,700,000 has been allocated for equipment, facilities upgrades, supplies and professional development; presenters said most funds came from grant sources and Prop 28 (described in the presentation as "1% of Prop 98").
Officials said the district has added multiple VAPA teachers across grade levels, expanded elementary access so that every TK–6 student receives VAPA instruction, and invested in theater sound and lighting upgrades, ceramic kilns (listed at about $90,000 apiece) and instruments. One slide cited roughly 9,761 secondary students and 28,098 elementary students receiving VAPA instruction; presenters described hiring waves that increased the VAPA team to about 40 people (28 VAPA teachers, nine band teachers, a coordinator, TSA and clerk listed during the presentation).
Presenters showcased student testimonials and classroom demonstrations (music rhythm exercises, puppetry and dance), and invited the public to the district Festival of the Arts in April, noting an estimated 5,000 attendees last year. The VAPA team said it had completed most steps required to pursue designation as an "arts equity district" and asked the board to consider adopting a board resolution in the next months to formalize that commitment.
Board members responded with praise, said they supported pursuing the arts‑equity resolution, and requested a calendar of performances and theater availability once renovation timelines are confirmed. The board took no new fiscal action during the meeting; presentation materials and staff comments described past spending and staffing decisions already made under Prop 28 and grant authority.
What happens next: Presenters said they would return with implementation details and requested board consideration of a formal arts‑equity resolution; board members asked for a public performance calendar once theater renovations are finished.
