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District unveils five‑year VAPA plan, allocates $20.7 million to sites from one‑time block grant
Summary
Corona‑Norco Unified presented a TK–12 Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) plan and a spending strategy that pairs a one‑time Arts & Music block grant with ongoing Proposition 28 funds to equip sites and hire teachers; the board voiced broad support and asked for phased implementation and equity safeguards.
The Corona‑Norco Unified School District on Monday presented a comprehensive five‑year Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) plan that aims to expand TK–12 arts instruction and ensure districtwide, equitable access to arts disciplines.
Dr Michelle Usher, the district’s VAPA coordinator, told the Board that the plan’s vision is straightforward: "Corona Norco Unified School District commits to providing equity equable access to a comprehensive well‑rounded Arts education for all Learners." She said the plan was developed with teacher committees, the California Arts Project, parent feedback sessions, DAAC input and survey results.
Melissa Elwood outlined the funding approach: a one‑time Arts & Music instructional materials block grant and ongoing Proposition 28 funding. "We have allocated 20.7 million to the sites to cover all of those needs and that represents 68% of the expenditure plan," Elwood said, adding that Prop 28 will be used to maintain equipment and fund continuing teacher positions.
Under the plan, all five arts disciplines (music, visual/media arts, theater, dance and related course staffing) will be offered progressively at every site; VAPA will be rolled down to TK within five years where staffing and facilities permit. The presentation emphasized common assurances for every school: grade‑appropriate curriculum in each discipline, industry‑standard equipment, ongoing professional learning for arts and non‑arts teachers, and culturally responsive curricula.
Board members thanked the VAPA team for a teacher‑driven needs assessment and extensive outreach. Trustee comments centered on staffing and facilities timelines: elementary staffing hires are already underway, and some facilities purchases will wait until July 1 to begin ordering. Trustees also pressed for plans to serve special‑education students and dual‑language learners; Usher said the team is coordinating with special education staff to provide music‑first supports and is recruiting Spanish‑speaking VAPA candidates for lower grades.
The board did not take a final vote on the plan itself at the meeting but placed the VAPA spending plan on the consent agenda for the budget actions that follow. The district indicated it will review and revise the plan annually through the VAPA team and that some implementation items may take up to five years.
