The Arts - Overview

At Alum Rock Union School District, we believe that a well-rounded education encompasses the richness of the arts. We are dedicated to nurturing creativity and self-expression across all five arts disciplines: visual arts, music, dance, theater, and media arts. Our comprehensive programs inspire students to explore their passions, develop their talents, and collaborate with peers. By integrating the arts into our curriculum, we cultivate critical thinking, innovation, and cultural awareness, preparing our students to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Join us in celebrating the transformative power of the arts in education! For more information on our programs, please use the menu to the left.

On November 8, 2022, California voters approved Proposition 28: The Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act. The measure required the state to establish a new, ongoing program supporting arts instruction in schools beginning in 2023-24.

The legislation allocates 1% of the kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) portion of the Proposition 98 funding guarantee provided in the prior fiscal year, excluding funding appropriated for the AMS education program. Local educational agencies (LEAs) with 500 or more students are required to ensure that at least 80% of AMS funds to be expended are used to employ certificated or classified employees to provide arts education program instruction. The remaining funds must be used for training, supplies and materials, and arts educational partnership programs, with no more than 1% of funds received to be used for administrative expenses. 

We are required to submit a report outlining ARUSD's additional staffing provided with the proposition funds yearly. 

With Prop 28 support, in the 2024-2025 school year we added visual art instruction at four of our schools (Adelante 1, Dorsa, McCollam, and Painter). These programs allowed students to explore drawing, painting, and other visual media as a way to express themselves and build artistic skills.

We also expanded our dance offerings at five schools (Adelante 1, Adelante 2, Chavez Early Learning Center, LUCHA, and San Antonio), with a focus on culturally relevant and engaging forms. Students participated in baile folklórico, breakdancing, and creative movement classes that helped promote coordination, confidence, and cultural pride.

Theater arts were added at five sites (Aptitud, Cassell, Cureton, Lyndale, and Renaissance at Fischer), giving students the chance to develop their voices through storytelling, collaboration, and performance. These experiences support both social-emotional growth and academic success.

Additionally, we increased access to music at five schools (Adelante 2, Joseph George, Meyer, Ocala, and Ryan), by expanding general music instruction, mariachi rehearsals, and performance opportunities for our students.

Each of these programs is led by a qualified arts instructor and designed to align with California’s Arts Standards. Most importantly, they are rooted in our belief that all students deserve access to the arts as part of a well-rounded education.

Prop 28 has allowed us to make meaningful progress toward that goal this year, and we look forward to continuing to grow these opportunities in the years to come. I am asking for your approval of the report as outlined in the board book, so we are compliant with the requirements of the funding given to us by the state of California.

2024-2025

 

For more information on our Prop 28 (Art and Music in Schools) spending for the fiscal year of 2023-2024 please see below.

 

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For the 2023-24 school year we did not utilize any Art and Music in Schools funds. The funds for '23-'24 were not received by ARUSD until late February, so we opted to hold them until the 2024-2025 school year. LEAs are permitted to rollover funds for up to three years without penalty. All school sites have developed a plan for the spending of funds and we are in active pursuit of candidates to fill those positions.

For more information on our Prop 28 (Art and Music in Schools) spending for the fiscal year of 2023-2024 please see below.