San Jose, CA - At its September 7 meeting, the Santa Clara County Board of Education announced its support of Proposition 28 - Arts and Music in Schools Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act, a proposition that would significantly boost funding for arts and music California public schools.
Proposition 28 has met the requirements to be placed on the November ballot. If approved by voters, the proposition would provide an estimated $1 billion annually for arts and music education in pre-kindergarten through 12 public schools. The funding would be allocated through the annual state General Fund, and funding would be provided to local educational agencies (schools).
“The arts are an essential part of public education,” said County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. “Support for art and music education is support for creativity, problem-solving, and expression – experiences every student should have in equitable learning environments.”
Arts and music education are often the first programs cut during economic downturns. If the proposition passes, this could provide guaranteed funding for public schools to bolster visual and performing arts programs and instructors. In California, currently one in five public schools has a dedicated arts or music teacher.
Equitable arts education has a lasting impact on students. According to Create CA, students with an arts education are five times less likely to drop out of school and are four times more likely to receive a bachelor’s degree. California’s creative economy generates 2.7 million jobs.
The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) continues to lead the countywide art initiative, Artspiration, that supports arts education for Santa Clara County schools. Through a partnership with SV Creates, art programs are offered to schools throughout the county. The SCCOE houses the largest collection of student artwork in the state with more than 900 art pieces.
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.