California legislators have reached a compromise on legislation intended to help schools use arts education funds approved by voters in 2022. The measure, AB 2440, now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom after addressing concerns that had caused some districts to return their allocations.
Proposition 28 requires schools to supplement rather than replace existing arts programs with the roughly $1 billion provided each year. Confusion over those rules prompted dozens of districts to forgo the money to avoid potential lawsuits, according to LAist.
Former Los Angeles Unified superintendent Austin Beutner, who helped craft the initiative, initially opposed the bill. He worried it would allow districts to use the new funds to cover prior cuts instead of expanding offerings.
The revised version includes language requiring districts to certify that they have met all Proposition 28 requirements at every school site. Beutner withdrew his opposition after the change and said he hopes the measure prompts further compliance reviews.
The bill also aligns spending definitions with the state's existing arts framework and permits districts to combine resources to share teachers and materials. It further clarifies how contributions from outside groups factor into baseline arts budgets.
A separate lawsuit filed by Beutner against Los Angeles Unified remains pending in superior court. He alleges the district reduced its prior arts spending after receiving the new funds, an assertion the district disputes.
Even with clearer rules, districts face a shortage of qualified instructors. A Stanford Research Institute study identified a gap of about 5,000 arts teachers statewide, with some positions unfilled for six months or longer.
Kyle Holmes of California County Superintendents said the legislation should increase student access to arts classes. He noted growing interest in credential programs but stressed the need to highlight teaching careers in the arts as stable, well-paid options.
This report is based on coverage by LAist: https://laist.com/news/education/california-schools-are-sitting-on-arts-money-a-change-in-law-might-get-them-to-spend-it