California Prop 28 Explained: How Schools Can Fund Music & Arts Education

If you teach or lead a school in California, there has never been a better moment to build a music program. Proposition 28 — the Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act — guarantees roughly $1 billion every year for arts and music education, on top of existing budgets. Best of all, you don't have to win a competitive grant to access it.

What is Prop 28?

Passed by California voters in 2022, Prop 28 dedicates ongoing funding — about 1% of the state's Prop 98 education minimum — specifically to arts and music instruction in transitional kindergarten through grade 12. The money is allocated automatically to every local educational agency (LEA) by formula: 70% based on total enrollment and 30% weighted toward schools serving more economically disadvantaged students.

How much can my school receive, and when do we spend it?

Because the funding is formula-based, every public school site receives an allocation each year without applying. Two rules matter most:

• Spend it within three years. Each annual allocation has a three-year window before unspent funds are recovered.
• Report it. LEAs publish an annual expenditure report showing how funds were used, what programs were offered, and how many students were served.

What can Prop 28 money pay for?

For LEAs with 500 or more students, at least 80% of AMS funds must go toward employing certificated or classified staff who provide arts instruction. The remaining up to 20% can be used for training, supplies and materials, and arts educational partnership programs — with no more than 1% for administration. Schools under 500 students can request a "good cause" waiver for added flexibility, such as buying instruments or contracting an arts partner.

Where a music curriculum like Prodigies fits

A standards-aligned curriculum is one of the clearest allowable uses of the materials-and-training portion of Prop 28:

• Curriculum & materials — video lessons, color-coded deskbells, and printable resources fit the supplies-and-materials category.
• Teacher professional development — built-in training lets classroom teachers (not just specialists) deliver confident music instruction, supporting the staff that the 80% bucket funds.
• Accessibility — a multisensory approach that pairs color, pitch, and movement makes music reachable for diverse learners, including students with disabilities.

Sample justification language for your AMS plan

"Arts and Music in Schools funds will purchase a standards-aligned music curriculum, instructional materials, and teacher professional development — an allowable use under Education Code §8820 for training, supplies and materials, and arts educational partnership programs. The purchase expands student access to high-quality music instruction aligned to California's VAPA standards."

Get started

Read our full guide to funding music education with Prop 28, explore the Prodigies PK-5 school site license, or email hello@prodigies.com for a quote, W-9, or purchase order.

This article is informational and not legal or financial advice. Confirm allowable uses with your district's arts coordinator or business office.