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Los Banos Unified outlines Prop. 28 hires, arts equipment upgrades and kiln replacements
Summary
District staff reviewed implementation of Proposition 28 funds: the district has created multiple arts positions (nine visual arts assistants, four band/drum assistants and other hires), upgraded high-school stage lighting and curtains, and is replacing dated kilns across campuses.
District arts staff presented the annual Prop. 28 review and described how the district has used the new funding to add personnel and upgrade arts facilities.
"Prop. 28 requires us to spend 80% of money on new personnel," the presenter said, listing positions added or in process: nine visual arts assistants, four band or drum assistants, one certificated art teacher, one elementary band teacher and a piano accompanist. Staff said some positions are filled and some are still being recruited.
Facilities and arts staff described stage upgrades (new curtains, modern LED lighting and scrims) and noted problems with ceramics kilns at several schools. Pacheco High's kilns require burner servicing; Los Banos High has kilns that are not DSA-compliant and will need relocation or replacement; Creekside's kilns suffered water damage because they were installed without legs. The district reported shipments for new kilns and classroom supplies are en route.
Board members discussed marching band recovery (personnel churn last year reduced marching opportunities) and asked about the long-term funding outlook: staff said Prop. 28 is ongoing state funding and positions tied to the measure are protected as long as the funding remains.
The board requested continued updates on hiring and equipment timelines and encouraged outreach to alumni and local hiring networks to fill specialized arts positions.
