Archived Updates [CAAE]

Archived UPDATES

November 19, 2008

Update on Arts Block Grant Funding
As you may know, the Governor has called the legislature back into special session to deal with the fiscal crisis that never went away, but is back with a vengeance, currently estimated as an $11.2 billion deficit. Legislative leaders have set Sunday as the working deadline to vote on a budget package. Absent a breakthrough this month, Schwarzenegger could call another special session on the budget immediately after the new class of legislators officially takes office in December, traditionally a quiet time in the Capitol. In a briefing call from his office last week, the Governor proposed tax increases and budget cuts, including a $2.5 billion reduction in the education budget. In addition to a reduction in Prop 98 revenue projections, the Governor is proposing giving districts the authority to transfer 100% of categorical funds to the general fund, which includes any unspent balances from 07-08 and any new categorical funds for 08-09 (except those programs protected by Federal law, such as special education). As we discussed last May, this type of flexibility at the district level would undoubtedly result in cuts to the arts.

Local Action Needed Now: Write a letter to your local school board and superintendent, letting them know you believe it is essential that the intent of these funds – to support quality arts education in all schools - be protected in this budget year, allowing school districts the opportunity to implement their plans and begin to address the disparities in access that exist across the state and re-build standards-based quality instructional programs. Should you have questions, contact Laurie Schell (626 578-9315 x101 or Joe Landon (530) 574-2654.

November 5, 2008

Update on Arts Block Grant Funding
There is a blessing in Jewish custom, known as the “Shehecheyanu”, intended to encourage the offering of thanks for new and unusual experiences, typically recited at the beginning of holidays and to celebrate special occasions. Although the purpose of ArtsEdMail is to provide you with the up-to-the-minute information you need to advocate for arts education, we must take a moment to share with our readers this remarkable, new, and unusual moment in our country’s history. And lest we forget what lies ahead in our own state, the Legislature is scheduled to convene a special session in the coming days to deal with the deficit in the state budget that has emerged since the budget was signed in September. Further cuts in state services, including education, will certainly be discussed, along with proposals to raise revenues. The Governor has indicated he is thinking about both increasing revenues and mid-year cuts. Whatever actions may be taken must occur before the end of November, when this legislative session ends. December 1 marks the beginning of a new session, with the inclusion of 40 newly elected legislators. From this vantage point, it is difficult to assess what the impact of these anticipated cuts may be for arts education. We expect to share in the burden, and to protect our fair share of the funding we have worked so hard to achieve. As we learn more about where this discussion is going, we will let you know. If you have questions or would like to share stories of what is happening in your school district, please contact California Alliance for Arts Education Executive Director Laurie Schell or Policy Director Joe Landon at [email protected] or [email protected].

October 24, 2008

Update on Arts Block Grant Funding
These were supposed to be the days of relative calm following the endless summer of budget discontent. But shortly after the state budget was signed, we began to get indications that the economic picture of the state was not looking good, with unknown implications for the coming year.

Since then, national economic crisis erupted, and it’s increasingly clear that the anticipated revenues the state was counting on to fund the budget may not live up to expectations. What this suggests is that there may be revisions coming to the state budget, with cuts likely to make up the shortfall. Our concern is that education funding may be targeted for cuts.

We don’t yet know what the exact shortage will be, nor what adjustments will be made to make up for the lack of funds. During the past week the state of California sold bonds to solidify our state economy in the short term, and according to economic leaders across the country, these sales were a huge success. The bonds will come due in the Spring of 2009 . The budget discussion may be accelerated to those dates. We know that there are weekly meetings/calls with the Governor and legislative leaders and updates to each caucus weekly. It is anticipated that the legislature may need to return before the end of the year or to put some budget measures in place earlier than usual. As we gain additional information we will pass it on to you.

As for the existing Arts and Music and Block Grant, the budget has allotted $109,757,000 for the coming year. Each school district will receive its allotment based on per pupil enrollment. An adjustment in apportionment amounts for school sites with 20 or fewer pupils of enrollment for a minimum allocation of $2,228.00 (it was $2,500.00 for fiscal years 2006-2007 and 2007-2008) and a minimum of $3,564.00 for school sites with more than 20 pupils (it was $4,000.00 for fiscal years 2006-2007 and 2007-2008).

The Arts and Music Block Grant will require a Summary Report and accompanying narrative to be submitted to the California Department of Education postmarked no later than 5:00 p.m. February 2, 2009. CDE will not be accepting faxed or emailed copies for 2008-2009 reporting. Updated FAQs and an adjusted Summary Report template will be provided on the CDE web site between late November and December.

It is also worth mentioning that the both the ongoing funding and the portions of the one-time allotment of $500 million in 2006-07 (to be shared with physical education) that districts have received are not subject to any budget negotiation, and are to be spent by districts for the purposes for which they were intended. Additional questions regarding the block grants should be directed to Nancy Carr at [email protected].

September 24, 2008

Update on Arts Block Grant Funding
We have a state budget. Within it you will find the allocation for the Arts and Music Block Grant (6110-265-0001) at close to $109.7 million. Like the rest of education funding, this amount reflects a slight increase in funding, less the normal Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Given the deficits that the state is facing, this is an accomplishment, if not a victory, that education funding has been sustained at current levels for the coming year. There was considerable concern aroused by legislative proposals during the year to increase district level spending flexibility over this and other categorical funding. This language, though it was originally part of the Governor’s budget proposal, is no longer in the state budget. District level flexibility will remain at the same level that it was during previous years at 10 percent. We have heard reports of school districts withholding or reallocating the arts education funding in anticipation of expanded flexibility. If that is happening in your school district, that is in violation of the agreed upon budget language. We encourage you to contact your local school board representatives or district superintendent. Let them know that you believe it is essential that the intent of these funds – to support quality arts education in all schools - be honored in compliance with state law. The integrity of the block grant funds must be maintained for the purposes for which they were intended, building on the progress we’ve made to enable every child to receive quality arts education. We will keep you posted as new information emerges from the budget settlement. If you have questions, please contact Joe Landon, California Alliance for Arts Education Policy Director at [email protected].

September 10, 2008

Update on Arts Block Grant Funding
We had hoped to begin this ‘first of the school year’ ArtsEdMail with news of a state budget. Alas, as you probably are aware, there is no budget. Public pressure continues to rise on both parties and the Governor to reach some kind of agreement. Editorials continue to send the message that we need to change the current system, which requires a 2/3 vote for passage of the budget. Both houses are currently vetting the proposals by Republican leadership for cuts and borrowing. It is inevitable that there will be an agreement in order for the state to do business, but there appears to be growing awareness that the system does not function to serve the interests of Californians and that something has to change. Currently the ongoing investment in arts education remains in the Governor’s budget proposal. There is a difference between the Governor’s proposal recommendation for ‘flexibility’ with categorical funding at the local level, and the response of the Legislature to the proposal, which rejects the flexibility language and would require school districts to spend categorical funding as intended. We strongly believe that the flexibility language could have the impact of reducing district funding for arts education. We support the recommendation to sustain categorical funding as intended. When all sides have reached agreement on a budget framework this issue will be resolved in negotiation between the Governor and the legislative leaders. We continue to hear stories of school districts withholding funding as they await the outcome of the budget. As we learn more we will communicate that information to you. Meanwhile, welcome back to school….

June 25, 2008

Update on Arts Block Grant Funding
We are in a “hurry up and wait” mode this week regarding the budget. While there is some urgency to passing a timely budget—the State Controller indicates the state will run out of money in mid-August—the negotiations are proceeding somewhat sporadically. The Legislature is set to go on summer break on July 3rd, and the Democrats are all anxious to get to the National Convention in August, but we don’t have any firm indication when the negotiations will be wrapped up. The state budget is now being taken up by the 2008 Budget Conference Committee, which has met but has not closed out many items. The committee is charged with reconciling the Senate and Assembly versions of the budget. The Big 5 (Governor and majority and minority leaders of both houses) is also convening, and that seems to be where the action is, albeit behind closed doors. As always, we will keep the field apprised of any developments in the Arts and Music Block Grant Funds. The proposal in the Governor's May Revise to allow unspent balances of all categorical programs to revert to the general fund is just that- a proposal. While this flexibility is appealing to administrators, it would have the effect of punishing districts that were taking the necessary time to strategically and thoughtfully plan arts education programs. To that end the Alliance is strongly communicating these concerns to both the Governor's office and to legislative leaders. A general reminder that the budget proposals do not become law until the legislature passes a budget and the Governor signs it! At the local school district level, here's what you can do today: Write a letter to your local school superintendent and school board members. Help to inform them that their decisions will impact student access to a core academic subject-- the visual and performing arts.

June 11, 2008

Update on Arts Block Grant Funding
There is little new to report from Sacramento. Both the Senate and Assembly Education Budget Sub-Committees adjourned, having made their recommendations based on the proposals included in the Governor’s May Revise budget. By a majority vote, each committee voted to support full restoration of funding for categoricals, including the Arts and Music Block Grant. These recommendations will be folded into the larger budget discussion, which will be occurring in the weeks and, no doubt, months to come. The proposal in the Governor’s May Revise to allow unspent balances of all categorical programs to revert to the general fund is just that— a proposal. While this flexibility is appealing to administrators, it would have the effect of punishing districts that were taking the necessary time to strategically and thoughtfully plan arts education programs. To that end the Alliance is strongly communicating these concerns to both the Governor's office and to legislative leaders. A general reminder that the budget proposals do not become law until the legislature passes a budget and the Governor signs it! At the local school district level, here's what you can do today: Write a letter to your local school superintendent and school board members. Help to inform them that their decisions will impact student access to a core academic subject—the visual and performing arts.

May 28, 2008

Update on Arts Block Grant Funding
The unveiling of the May Revise earlier this month brought the good news of Governor Schwarzenegger’s continued support for the Arts and Music Block Grants. At the same time, there are deep concerns about language within the proposed budget related to the use of “Ending Fund Balances.” This proposal would allow districts to move state categorical program carryover or reserve funds from any prior year and from any program to the district's unrestricted general fund to backfill existing shortfalls. Our concern is that this proposal could have devastating consequences for both the ongoing Arts and Music Block Grants (Budget Item 6110-25-0001 Arts and Music Grant), and the one time Arts, Music & Physical Education Supplies & Equipment Fund (AB 1802 Sec. 43 (A) 16) in districts where those funds have not yet been allocated. Apportionment letters sent to the districts stated there was no spending deadline attached to the funding and strongly encouraged the development of strategic district wide plans to implement the funding to ensure maximum benefit for students. Should this proposal be enacted, students in districts with unspent funds could be denied access to arts education should those funds be reallocated for other purposes. We believe it is essential that the intent of these funds – to support quality arts education in all schools - be protected in the coming budget year, to allow school districts the opportunity to implement their plans and begin to address the disparities in access that exist across the state.

May 15, 2008

Governor's May Revise and Arts Block Grant Funding
The Governor’s May Revised Budget was released on May 14. Relative to some aspects of the budget, funding for education is in better shape than we might have been expected. The May Revise “reflects an increase in 2008-09 spending covered by the Proposition 98 guarantee relative to 2007-08, from $56.6 billion to $56.8 billion. This results in a $101 MILLION increase in 2008-09 Proposition 98 K-12 per pupil spending, from $8,509 to $8,610.” (California Budget Project). So while education funding is up slightly from the January proposed budget and does provide Prop 98 minimum guarantees, there are proposed reductions, including the elimination to 2008-09 COLAs and reduction in some categorical programs. While detailed information is still being released and analyzed, we are pleased to report that the Arts and Music Block Grant funding appears unchanged in the May Revise. Within the May Revise there is a proposal to provide additional flexibility for districts that have carryover categorical funds. At this time the scope of this proposal and whether or not if might adversely impact the arts and music block grant is unclear. We will keep you informed as we learn more about this aspect of the budget and the other policy bills related to categorical flexibility. We continue to be buoyed by the Governor’s March 20 statement (Orange County Register) that districts need more freedom in determining how to spend some money that is tied to specific programs, “but not at the expense of money earmarked for "vital" programs like music, the arts, and physical education." What’s next? The budget will continue to be debated and negotiated in budget committees and eventually in the Assembly and Senate Conference Committee and the Big 5 over the course of the next month or however long the negotiation takes. The May Revise represents the next step in this process; however, it is far from the final step that will result in a budget adoption. We ask that you stay tuned and alert to the opportunities to be engaged in this conversation on behalf of California’s 6 million students.

Arts and Music Block Grant Funding
Department of Education: Line Item 6110-265-0001

The debate within the Capitol is intensifying as the governor and legislators face difficult choices regarding budget cuts to deal with a $14 billion plus deficit. Legislation has been introduced which would erode protection of the ongoing arts education funding, supported by the Governor and the legislature for the past two years. The debate is focused for the moment on minimizing impact of the cuts by giving schools more flexibility in spending the state dollars they receive. In spite of these efforts, the Orange County Register (March 20, 2008) reported: “The governor said he also wants to give school districts more freedom in determining how to spend certain “categorical fund,” money tied to specific programs and services, but not at the expense of money earmarked for “vital” programs like music, the arts, and physical education.”

We need to send a strong message to support the Governor’s contention that funding for arts education must be protected. We are asking you to send a letter to your elected Assemblymember and Senator, as well as to the Governor, to let them know how important this funding is to you and to the children of this state.

We recognize that over 400 of you sent messages last month. We feel it is important during this critical time to continue to raise our concerns and our voices as the budget discussion evolves. We will continue to provide you with information as we learn more about the direction of negotiations. Thank you for your continued support for arts education.

Please take the time today to send this message to the Governor and your legislators in support of the visual and performing arts. Include your customized message, which describes how cuts to education funding and to the arts block grant funds will impact your students.

April 30, 2008

Update on Arts Block Grant Funding
The legislative wheels continue to turn as legislators and the Governor approach the formidable challenge of a budget with a deficit that seems to grow weekly. No decisions have been made on any of the legislation that's been proposed. Expectations are growing as to what the Governor's revised budget, known as the "May Revise", may hold. It is expected to be released in the middle of the month.

We anticipate a long, challenging campaign to help ensure that the arts education block grant continue to be funded in the coming budget, and will turn to you for your support when the time is right. If you have not yet written to your legislators and to the Governor in support of the Arts and Music Block Grant Funds, click here for an easy-to-access, customizable letter.

April 10, 2008

Update on Arts Block Grant Funding
In our effort to keep you informed about the budget process in Sacramento and how it may impact ongoing arts education funding, we want to focus on several bills and offer some perspective on what you might expect in the coming months:

The Republican leadership of the Assembly has introduced several bills, designed to help local education agencies (LEAs) deal with the current fiscal crisis. These proposals would allow categorical funds to be spent with greater flexibility. AB 2831 (Fuller) would allow for any and all unencumbered categorical funds to be expended to the general fund. AB 2890 (Duvall) would consolidate categorical funds into six categories, so that arts education could be competing against other educational interests for ongoing funds.

The Democratic leadership has responded to the recommendations by saying that, "Flexibility is nothing more than code for cut."

At the same time, Governor Schwarzenegger has made clear that for him arts education remains a top priority. A story in the March 20, 2008 Orange County Register reported, "The governor said he also wants to give school districts more freedom in determining how to spend certain "categorical funds," money tied to specific programs and services, but not at the expense of money earmarked for "vital" programs like music, the arts, and physical education."

The likelihood is that these bills will remain where they are, in the Assembly Education Committee and not move forward in the legislative process. In his analysis of the bills, the Senior Education Committee Consultant Gerry Shelton wrote, "The issues raised in these bills should most appropriately be discussed in the context of budget actions that the House is considering." In other words, these issues are a component of the larger negotiation of the state budget.

In addition to those bills, the Legislative Analyst's Office has made its own proposals to increase district level spending flexibility of categorical funding, from the existing maximum of 15% to 50%. If enacted, this proposal would mean that only 50% of categorical funding would be protected to be used for the purpose for which it was intended, while the rest of the funding would be at the discretion of local education agencies. Similar proposals have been made in the past by the LAO, and have not gained traction in the legislature.

A final proposal for consolidation of categorical funding came yesterday from the Assembly Education Committee, AB2933. Recommendations that will flesh out a committee bill propose establishing "true" block grants, for use of program funds which encompass the 'spirit' of certain programs. In that grouping, 'arts and music' would be included within the "Pupil Support" Block Grant, along with other programs including "Existing School Library and Improvement" and "Instructional Materials."

The challenge we face in any proposed consolidation of funding into larger block grants is that a district may or may not choose to use those funds to fund arts education, depending on their priorities. Instead of a guarantee of funding, that decision will be left to the discretion of local officials. History suggests that arts education is frequently relegated to secondary status when competing with established priorities, such as instructional materials.

While lawmakers continue to discuss various priorities, it is important that we continue to raise our voices to support arts education. Last week over 420 of you sent letters to the Governor and legislators in response to our most recent "Call to Action." If you have not yet sent your letters, click here to go to California Alliance's Action Center. We will continue to keep you informed every step of the way, and will ask for your support when it is most needed.

February 20, 2008

Budget Update
In the face of a barrage of stories and rumors flowing from the budget crisis in Sacramento and its projected impact on arts education programs in local school districts, we are bracing ourselves for the challenges we may be facing in the days and weeks ahead.

Now is the time we need your support as strong advocates for arts education. The power of your voice, both at the state and the local level, will be critical in defending the important role that the visual and performing arts play in the education of our children.

In the coming weeks, here’s what you can do:

Be Informed: Find out what’s happening in your local school district. Learn how the arts education block grant is being spent or whether funds are currently frozen. See what you can learn about your school district’s plans for cutbacks, and whether arts education is carrying a disproportionate percentage of those cuts.
Cultivate Broad Stakeholder Support: Build an alliance of community members who are willing to unite with you to defend arts education, who represent the varied interests of the community, including business and community leaders, parents, arts organizations, teachers, and concerned citizens, who are willing to stand up for arts education.
Be Vocal: Plan to attend public meetings of local school boards or committees where budget decisions are being aired or considered. Let school board members and elected officials know how you feel about arts education.

Talking points:

The visual and performing arts—dance, music, theatre and visual arts-- are an essential component of a quality education for every child.

Schools are now beginning to feel the benefit of the state's recent investment in arts education. We must continue to build on that investment.

During this difficult fiscal period where we must all share the burden, the visual and performing arts should not be singled out for disproportionately large cuts.

We know the difference that quality standards-based arts education can make in the lives of students, both in terms of being connected to learning across the curriculum, and in preparing students to meet the challenges of the workforce.

If you need additional material to support your belief in the importance of arts education, you can access documents on our website, starting with the policy paper, "Quality, Equity, and Access." and a 1-page document called "10 Important Things to Know About Arts Education in California" [PDF: 205K]

The best we can do during challenging times is to stay connected to the values that motivate our lives and to continue to work towards an educational system that provides all children with the opportunity they deserve to learn and to fulfill their potential.

Look for an Action Alert to contact your state representatives within the week.

November 7, 2007

New Alliance Advocacy Efforts
The economic forecast for the coming year in California appears daunting, with estimates of the state budget deficit ranging between 6 and 8 billion dollars. Within such a challenging budget climate, there may be increased pressure to reduce funding for critical statewide programs including education. During the coming year, the Alliance will continue to focus its efforts on securing ongoing funding for arts education.

To that end, in the coming year the Alliance intends to introduce two new advocacy efforts, one a pilot program aimed at building and expanding the base of local support for arts education; the other a statewide partnership with the California State PTA, with the goal of communicating with every state legislator about support within their district for arts education. These efforts reflect the Alliance’s commitment to work “top-down, bottom-up” in building statewide support for arts education.

We’ll be letting you know more as this work unfolds in the coming year. For more information contact CAAE Policy Director Joe Landon at [email protected].

October 17, 2007

Funding Update
SB 77 - State Budget 2007-2008

6110-265-0001 - For local assistance,
Department of Education (Proposition 98),
Program 20.15 - Arts and Music Block Grant... $109,757,000

Provisions:

The funds appropriated in this item shall be for the purpose of providing
block grants to school districts, charter schools, and county offices of
education to support standards-aligned arts and music instruction in
kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive. Local education agencies
shall use these funds to supplement, and not supplant, existing
resources for arts and music.
(a) (1) The State Department of Education shall allocate the funding
to districts, charter schools, and county offices of education on
the basis of an equal amount per-pupil, provided that a
minimum of $2,500 shall be allocated for schoolsites with 20 or
fewer pupils and a minimum of $4,000 shall be allocated for
schoolsites with more than 20 pupils.
(2) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the governing board
of a district, charter school, or county office of education shall
distribute funds received pursuant to this item to all schoolsites
on the basis of an equal amount per pupil or the schoolsite
minimums as set forth in paragraph(1), whichever of the two
amounts is greatest.
(b) If the governing board elects not to allocate funds to schoolsites in
the amounts specified pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a),
the governing board shall do both of the following:
(1) Adopt a resolution to that effect at a public meeting. The
resolution shall specify how the funds are to be allocated among
schoolsites and for districtwide purposes and the reasons for
those allocations.
(2) Prior to the public meeting, inform schoolsite councils,
schoolwide advisor groups, or school support groups, as
applicable, of the content of the proposed resolution and of the
time and location where the resolution is proposed to be
adopted.
(c) By February 2, 2008, as a condition of receipt of funds, the
governing board of each school district shall provide a summary
report to the State Department of Education of how these funds were
expended or are proposed to be expended, the number of pupils,
and the grade levels served. The department shall collect and
compile this data and report that information to the Legislature and
the Governor.
(d) For purposes of this provision, ""school district'' means a school
district, county office of education, state special school, or direct-
funded charter school, as described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a)
of Section 47651 of the Education Code.
The funds appropriated in this item may be used for hiring of additional
staff, purchase of new materials, books, supplies, and equipment, and
implementing or increasing staff development opportunities, as
necessary to support standards-aligned arts and music instruction.
Of the funds appropriated in this item, $4,757,000 is for the purpose of
providing a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) at a rate of 4.53 percent. The
Superintendent of Public Instruction shall allocate these funds on an equal
per-pupil basis to all schoolsites receiving more than the minimums
specified in Provision 2.

Here’s the latest with regard to the Arts and Music Block Grant for 2007-08:

Funding from the state to school districts is slated for December 2007 (50%) with the "estimation" based upon 2006-2007 school enrollment data. The second installment is scheduled to be delivered in July 2008 (final 50%) with "final determination for funding" based upon 2007-2008 school enrollment data.

A letter from Superintendent Jack O’Connell will accompany the funding, along with the posting of the estimated apportionment list.

The Department of Education is scheduled to release a letter in early November, concerning new aspects of the funding, including clarification of the term “Resolution”, as well as the template for the “Summary Report” due February 2, 2008 to CDE.

If you have further questions, contact the CDE Visual and Performing Arts Consultant, Nancy Carr at (916) 445-5669.

October 3 , 2007

Funding Update
As we settle into the new school year, the Alliance is hearing from advocates around the state with questions and concerns regarding the proper usage of the Arts Block Grant funds. We will continue to do what we can to help clarify the intent of this funding. Our understanding is that the Department of Education will soon be releasing a “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQs) document to answer some of these questions.

Just in case you can’t remember exactly what the law says:

Arts & Music Block Grant: $105M
Ongoing Budget Line Item: 6110-265-0001
Program 20.15--Arts and Music Block Grant

Provisions:

The funds appropriated in this item shall be for the purpose of providing block grants to school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education to support standards-aligned art and music instruction in kindergarten and 1 to 12, inclusive. It the intent of the Legislature that these funds supplement, and not supplant, resources for arts and music.
The State Department of Education shall allocate the funding to districts, charter schools, and county offices of education at an equal per pupil amount on the basis of a minimum of $2,500 for schoolsites with 10 or fewer students and a minimum of $4,000 per schoolsite with more than 20 students.
The funds appropriated in this item may be used for hiring of additional staff, purchase of new materials, books, supplies, and equipment, and implementing or increasing staff development opportunities, as necessary to support standards-aligned arts and music instruction.

Estimated Apportionment: $15.94 per pupil; 75% in January 2007, 25% in
September/October 2007.

Arts, Music & Physical Education Supplies & Equipment Funds: $500M
One-time Legislation: AB 1802 Sec. 43 (A) 16

Five hundred million dollars ($500,000,000) for transfer to Section A of the State School Fund for allocation by the Superintendent of Public Instruction to school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education on the basis of an equal amount per unit of average daily attendance, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 42235.5 of the Education Code, and including average daily attendance used to compute funding for small school districts pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 42280) of Chapter 7 of Part 24 of the Education Code, reported for the second principal apportionment for the 2005-06 fiscal year pursuant to Section 41601 of the Education Code. However, a public school shall not receive less than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500). That allocation shall be used solely for one or both of the following:

(A) Art and music supplies and equipment.

(B) Physical education supplies and equipment.

(C) Professional development.
Estimated Apportionment: $83.04 per pupil; 75% in early May 2007, 25% in late May 2007.

For further information about the Arts Block Grants, please contact Nancy
Carr, Visual and Performing Arts Consultant, California Department of
Education: [email protected], 916.445.5669.

The Alliance is committed to telling the story of how these new funds are impacting the lives of California’s students. If you have a story related to how your school or district is investing their apportionment of the new arts block grant, please share it with Policy Director, Joe Landon.

September 19 , 2007

Back to School Greetings from California Alliance
The school year of 2007-08 begins on a high note for arts education advocates throughout California, with the Governor’s signing of the state budget that included $109,757,000 to fund the Arts and Music Block Grant. We want to express our thanks to the nearly FOUR HUNDRED of our reader/activists, who took the time to send a message Governor Schwarzenegger, acknowledging his ongoing support for arts education. Our united voice is making a difference in Sacramento!

Along with the new funding, which includes a cost-of-living increase on last year’s amount, there are two significant changes in budgetary language, that may impact the delivery and implementation of this funding:

First, new language states that if the governing board of a district, charter, or county office of education elects not to allocate funds to schoolsites, they are required to “adopt a resolution to that effect at a public meeting. The resolution shall specify how the funds are to be allocated among schoolsites and for district-wide purposes and the reasons for those allocations.” In addition, prior to the public meeting, they are required to “inform schoolsite councils, schoolwide advisory groups, or school support groups, as applicable, of the content of the proposed resolution and of the time and location where the resolution is proposed to be adopted.”

The Department of Education is currently working on FAQs that will address the definition of “resolution.” While we await official word from CDE on the definition and requirements of the “resolution,” think of it as a plan or proposal for use of the funds and the reasons for those uses, which the governing board will then be required to approve.

A second significant change in budget language states that by February 2, 2008, as a condition of receipt of funds, “the governing board of each school district (and charter, or county office of education) shall provide a summary report to the State Department of Education of how these funds were expended or are proposed to be expended, the number of students and grade levels served. The department shall collect and compile this data and report that information to the Legislature and the Governor.”

The Department of Education has advised that in this case, a “summary report” may constitute the expenditure lists and option code lists and the hiring of teachers, the number of students served with the supplemental funding, as well as courses now being offered due to the supplemental funding. Official wording on this will be forthcoming from CDE. Any specific questions about this funding may be directed to Nancy J. Carr, the CDE Visual and Performing Arts Consultant, at (916) 445-5669.

The California Alliance supports these changes as positive steps towards creating a system of accountability for the arts education block grant funding.

For arts education advocates, the coming year offers both the opportunity and responsibility for each of us to “tell the story” about the difference that this new funding is making in the lives of elementary and secondary students throughout the state. As you hear and see how the new funding is being implemented in the schools in your community, we hope you’ll share that information with the rest of us. Please take the time to communicate your impressions and concerns to California Alliance Policy Director Joe Landon, [email protected].

July 11, 2007

Budget Update
Like everyone else who follows California politics, we await the final negotiation of the state budget. There is no way of knowing exactly when this might occur. When agreement is reached between the Governor and the Legislature and the budget is signed, it will hopefully include the agreements that were reached in the Budget Conference Committee.

As we reported in the last ArtsEdMail, those agreements include an allotment of $109,757,000 for visual and performing arts education. In addition, the budget language requires that school districts shall provide a summary report to the Department of Education of how these funds were expended, and the number of students and grade levels served.

Language also details a compromise that protects the interests of both districts and school sites in the distribution of funds. The agreement directs the governing board of districts (charter schools, county office of education) to distribute the funding to all school sites. However, if the district elects not to distribute the funds in this manner, it may adopt a resolution to that effect at a public meeting. The resolution shall specify how the funds are to be allocated among schoolsites and for district-wide purposes and the reasons for these allocations. In addition, prior to the public meeting, districts will be required to inform schoolsite councils, schoolwide advisory groups, or school support groups of the content of the proposed resolution and of the time and location where the resolution is proposed to be adopted.

Regarding the Final 25% Payment for the $500 Million Fund Arts, Music and Physical Education Grant
The final 25% payment apportionment list was sent to the controller on June 27th, for disbursement to districts within the two-three week time period after June 27.

June 20, 2007

Conference Committee Delivers Block Grant Agreement
Yesterday, June 19th, the Budget Conference Committee released their compromise agreement on the Arts and Music Block Grant. And for arts education advocates, there is good news!

Here are the highlights:

The amount proposed for the Block Grant in the May Revise remains the same. That allotment will be $109,757,000. Of this amount, $4,757,000 is for the purpose of providing a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) at a rate of 4.53 percent.
A compromise was reached on the issue of whether funding should reside with the school district (or charter schools or county office of education in specific situations) or whether it should be sent directly to school sites. The agreement directs the governing board of districts (charter schools, county office of education) to distribute the funding to all school sites. However, if the district elects not to distribute the funds in this manner, it may adopt a resolution to that effect at a public meeting. The resolution shall specify how the funds are to be allocated among schoolsites and for district-wide purposes and the reasons for these allocations. In addition, prior to the public meeting, districts will be required to inform schoolsite councils, schoolwide advisory groups, or school support groups of the content of the proposed resolution and of the time and location where the resolution is proposed to be adopted.
What this compromise affirms is the power of districts to direct that funding in purposeful ways, including district wide plans, while recognizing the rights of school sites to participate fully in the block grant. Should a district fail to create a resolution specifying another plan, it is our understanding that the allocation will go directly to school sites.
With regard to accountability, by February 2, 2008, as a condition of receipt of funds, the governing board of each school district shall provide a summary report to the Department of Education of how these funds were expended or are proposed to be expended, and the number of students and grade levels served. The department shall collect and compile this data and report that information to the Legislature and the Administration.
This is something the California Alliance has been strongly advocating for since the Block Grant was initiated. It will establish a system of accountability tied to the new funding, which will enable the public to know how school districts are investing the new funds, and will help ensure that the funds are being spent for the purposes for which they are intended. This accountability measure will apply to the money that was distributed during the 2006-07 school year.

New questions will likely arise from this agreement, and further clarification of the language may be required. We will continue to keep you informed as we gather new information. But for the moment, we celebrate this victory and recognize the hard work of the Conference Committee and our legislative advocate, Kathryn Lynch!

June 6 , 2007

Arts Education Funding Update
2007-08 Budget
This week in Sacramento the Budget Conference Committee meets to resolve differences between the Senate and the Assembly responses to the Governor’s “Mayrevise” of the state budget. We will be watching the results of the ConferenceCommittee closely since one of the issues on the table is the Visual and PerformingArts Block Grant.

In the May Revise, the Governor proposed budget language, which would require that the block grant be equally distributed at the school site level based on student enrollment. While we share the Governor’s commitment that every school shall benefit from this important investment, we want to ensure that the money is spent in the best possible way to improve the quality of arts education in our schools.

CAAE supports amending existing budget language to require reporting of how the arts education funding is being used. We believe that building a system of accountability will help ensure that these funds are spent to provide quality, equity, and access to arts education for all children.

Allotment of 2006-07 Funds
The remaining 25% of both the ongoing $105 million Arts and Music Block Grant, and the $500 million Arts, Music and Physical Education Grant will be distributed to school districts/charters/county offices of education programs in July, rather than in June, as earlier reported. Any questions regarding those expenditures should be sent to:
Nancy Carr (Visual and Performing Arts): [email protected]
Diane Wilson-Graham (Physical Education): [email protected]

May 23, 2007

Arts Education Funding Update: 2006-07 Budget
As decisions are being made by school districts about how they’re going to invest the new arts education block grant funding, we are beginning to hear details of the thoughtful implementation of these funds:

In Culver City, an administrative council for principals was established to guide district-wide decision. They voted to fund an Arts Coordinator position, provide professional development, artists in residence positions, and purchase musical instruments.
In Norwalk-La Mirada the money will fund an arts coordinator position, support professional development for both teachers and principals, as well as provide funding for arts education coaches.
In Pasadena the focus is on buying curriculum and hiring specialists, based on their implementation goals.
In Rosemead, the plan is to purchase SRA curriculum tools, along with the necessary technology needed to use those tools. In addition, investment is being made in textbooks for 7th and 8th grade art and music classes, musical instruments, art supplies, and staff development.
In Santa Monica, the funding will be used for materials, supplies and equipment for all arts programs, the development of curriculum, and professional development for teachers and administrators.

We are also hearing stories from school districts that raise concerns as to whether the new money is being spent for the purposes for which it is intended. The language mandating the new funding clearly states that these funds may be used to supplement, and not supplant existing funds being used to provide arts education. School districts facing cutbacks due to declining enrollment may be seeking ways to use these new funds to pay for existing programs or to make capital expenditures on facility renovations, neither of which allowed within the guidelines of this funding.

We are continuing to follow these stories, and in certain cases contact superintendents and board members to voice our concerns. It is equally important for parents and advocates to get involved in the local district planning process. This can be as simple as making a phone call to your local school district office to find out about how they intend to spend the new arts education money.

In cases where you’re hearing information that suggests that the money is not being properly spent, we encourage you to let us know by writing to [email protected]. In addition, if you’re hearing of successful, thoughtful, and inclusive district planning processes, we’d like to hear about that as well.

By engaging in the planning process now we can help to ensure that this important investment in arts education is wisely spent, to improve the quality of our children’s lives and education.

Arts Education Funding: 2007-08 Budget
The revised budget submitted by the Governor’s office, known as the "May Revise," was released last week. The good news is that funding for K-12 programs, including the arts education block grant, remained at the same level as the original budget submitted in January. There continues to be concern in Sacramento about the discrepancy between differing assessments of the amount in the general fund, related to property taxes and the amount that public schools have received from those taxes. We will continue to watch these developments and report on any impact they may have on the arts education block grant.

May 3, 2007

Arts Education Funding Update: CAAE Seeks Information from Advocates
As reported in last week’s special edition of ArtsEdMail, the first apportionment of the "one-time" funds for visual and performing arts and physical education, to be used solely for equipment, supplies, and professional development, is now being distributed to school districts throughout the state. For more information, click here.

The long awaited arrival of this money at the local school districts raises the level of responsibility for arts education advocates. We anticipate that in the coming months you may be hearing stories of how this money is being dispersed. You may hear of wise investments being made, or you may hear of incidents where the funding is not being used for its intended purposes.

In order to build an informed statewide response to this allocation, we are turning to you, our network of advocates, with a request that you report back to CAAE with news from your local school district about what’s happening with this new funding. We are in the process of building a response network that will be prepared to address any misappropriation of these funds, as well as to recognize thoughtful, creative efforts designed to improve the quality of arts education.

We are interested in hearing from you about:

How the new ongoing and one-time funding is being spent
How the distribution of the one-time funding is being divided between arts education and physical education
Whether this new funding is leading to new positions being added or whether any arts education teaching positions are being eliminated

Please send any information to Joe Landon, CAAE Policy Director. Your confidentiality will be respected.

Our hope is that this new funding will strengthen our growing statewide partnership, committed to providing quality arts education for every student in California’s public schools

April 24, 2007

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS $105 MILLION
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION $500 MILLION
Update from California Department of Education Consultants
Nancy Carr (Visual and Performing Arts) and
Dianne Wilson-Graham (Physical Education)

$105 Million Arts and Music Block Grant

On-going funding allocated to school districts/charters/county offices of education programs based upon school enrollment data; 75% payment was made early January based upon 2005-2006 school enrollment data with the remaining 25% anticipated to be paid out late June, 2007 based upon 2006-2007 school enrollment data.
There are three basic uses of these funds:
- Professional development for generalist teachers (content and sequential standards-based learning instruction), for single subject teachers of dance, music, theatre and visual arts and administrators.
- Hiring credentialed NLCB compliant dance, music, theatre & visual arts teachers or coordinators for VAPA.
- Acquisition of sequential standards-based learning instruction supplies, books and equipment.
Schools with 20 or fewer students will provide the district with $2,500 contribution to the district warrant.
Schools with 21 or more students will provide the district with no less than $4,000 contribution to the district warrant.
This apportionment is $15.94 per pupil.
There is no deadline for spending this money.
There is no direction of the proportion of funds that need to be provided dance, music, theatre and/or visual arts.
It is hoped there is collaborative decision making among district administration, principals, department chairs and teachers of dance, music, theatre and visual arts.
These funds are to supplement, not supplant expenditures for dance, music, theatre and visual arts.
These funds are for kindergarten, and grades one to twelve inclusive.
Listing of apportionments for this fund may be found at www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r14/artmusic06result.asp

$500 Million Arts, Music and Physical Education Grant

One-time funds allocated to districts/charters/county offices of education programs based upon average daily attendance data; letters went out to county superintendents April 24, 2007 and first warrants of 75% payment will follow in two-four weeks; final 25% payment anticipated to be paid in late June, 2007; both payments are based upon 2005-2006 average daily attendance.
Districts are guaranteed an allocation of no less than $2,500 for each of their schools and have the responsibility to expend no less than $2,500 per school site.
If districts manage a school's apportionment they have to evidence expenditures of no less than $2,500 a school site.
There is no deadline for spending this money.
There is no direction re proportion of fund distribution for dance, music, theatre, visual arts or physical education.
It is hoped there is collaborative decision making amongst district administrators, principals, department chairs, and teachers of dance, music, theatre, visual arts and physical education.
These funds are for kindergarten and grades one to twelve inclusive.
These funds are to be used as described in 2 a) and 2 c) as noted above for the $105 million.
Listing of apportionments for this fund may be found at http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r14/artsmusicperesult.asp

More about Professional Development

Professional Development includes generalist training (content plus learning sequential standards-based instruction), singles subject dance, music, theatre and visual arts (and physical education) training (teachers working on instruction to sequential standards-based learning); evaluating district arts education plans; updating or writing district arts education plans; writing of curriculum (textbooks support the curriculum but are not the curriculum; curriculum developed around the standards). If a district has structured professional development including year-long collaborative participation, they may consider conferences within the larger professional development package; if there is no overall plan for staff development, conferences in and of themselves are not considered professional development (see NCLB guidelines on professional development).

Indirect Costs
The % a district may take may be found at www.cde.ca.gov/fg/ac/ic. It is that percentage and no more.

State Adopted Texts
If a district utilized Instructional Materials funds for books, they must be state adopted texts (2006 adoptions for K-8 vocal music, visual arts and theatre); books purchased with $105M/$500M funds need not be state adopted texts.

More about Supplies and Equipment
Supplies & equipment do NOT include buses for transportation or tickets for performances or the hiring of outside providers to deliver instruction (since California requires that credentialed teachers deliver instruction and in the case of the four arts, they need to be NCLB compliant credentialed teachers) or fees to enter competitions or festivals. Supplies are quickly consumed or have short life span; equipment is anything one plugs in, class sets of items, instruments, items of larger value; are portable, not permanent items. That precludes a new all weather track, new floor in the dance studio (though a portable or Marley floor would be okay) as they are improvement of site, school facility or building expenditures since they would be attached to the land, nailed down, screwed/bolted in/on, concreted in and are now part of the permanent school structure or in permanent form and are not considered supplies or equipment.

For further information contact:
Nancy Carr, Visual and Performing Arts [email protected]
Diane Wilson-Graham, Physical Education [email protected]

April 24, 2007

O’CONNELL ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF $500 MILLION FOR VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jack O’Connell, announced today that letters have been sent to County Superintendents, Auditors, and Treasurers, notifying them of the first apportionment of funds for visual and performing arts and physical education, to be used solely for equipment, supplies, and professional development.

The estimated entitlements are based on a rate of $83.04 per student in K-12, with a minimum funding of $2,500 per school site. The amount paid in this apportionment will reflect 75% of the total entitlement. The remaining funds will be allocated in June 2007.

There is no deadline on the expenditure of these funds and therefore funds may be carried over to a future fiscal year. School districts are encouraged to bring together teachers, school site administrators, district level administrators, parents, and students to collaborate on assessing needs and developing a local plan that will support high quality instruction in both physical education and visual and performing arts.

In a statement released by his office, O’Connell said, "These grants will help provide our schools with resources to implement standards-based instruction in physical education and visual and performing arts. With these funds, teachers can expand their content knowledge and teaching skills in physical education and visual and performing arts through professional development, and students can benefit from enhanced equipment and supplies that increase the quality of learning experiences."

To view the schedule of apportionment showing a list of schools, by county and district, that generated each payment and the schedules showing other data used in the apportionment calculations, please visit the CDE Categorical Programs Web site at www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/ca.

Any program question concerning the visual and performing arts funding should be directed to Nancy Carr, Visual and Performing Arts Consultant, Curriculum Leadership Unit, at (916) 445-5669 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Fiscal questions should be directed to: Elizabeth Dearstyne, e-mail: [email protected], tel: 916-322-0494.

April 18, 2007

Arts Education Funding in the 2007-08 State Budget
In Sacramento, this is the time that anticipates the announcement of the “May Revise”, due on May 11, the Governor’s revision of the state budget originally proposed by his office in January. The revision is based on the economic forecast for the state as well as other circumstances that factor into the budget process. The allotment of $109.24 million in the current budget for ongoing arts education has been reviewed by education budget committees in both the Assembly and the Senate and is being held over until the announcement of the May Revise.

The revenue forecast is looking less optimistic that originally projected in January. While we are hopeful this will not impact the block grant funding for the visual and performing arts, it is important to remain vigilant throughout the budget process and to continue to reach out to policymakers to demonstrate the value and benefits of arts learning.

Meanwhile, school districts await the dispersal of the $500 million in one-time funding for Arts Education and Physical Education supplies and equipment and professional development. (Not to confuse the reader, this money was allotted in last year’s budget.) Letters from the Department of Education’s School Fiscal Services office are expected to be sent out in the coming weeks.

April 4, 2007

Update on Arts Education Funding
School districts throughout the state currently await the dispersal of the $500 million in one-time funding for Arts Education and Physical Education supplies and equipment. Letters from the Department of Education’s School Fiscal Services office will be sent in late April. These letters will let superintendents know that they may inform districts, charters and the county office of education about the apportionment they will be receiving. The warrants for 75% of the total disbursement are expected to be sent out approximately 3 weeks after the letters are mailed, with the final 25% payment anticipated to be paid in late June. The apportionment list will be posted to the CDE website as it was posted for the $105 million.

As we reported earlier, the $105 million funding for Arts Education has had its first payment made to all districts, charters and county offices of education programs. That payment is a 75% payment based upon 2005-2006 school enrollment data. The remaining 25% payment, scheduled to be disbursed late June, 2007 will be based upon 2006-2007 school enrollment data. If a charter is new for 2006-2007 they did not receive a January 75% payment. They will receive 100% payment when the June 2007 disbursement is made. If you would like to check the apportionment to a particular district, please click here.

We wish everyone a happy spring break!

March 21, 2007

Update On Arts Education Funding
ACR 18, a resolution recognizing March as Arts Education Month, authored by Assemblyman Ira Ruskin (D-Redwood City) and sponsored by CAAE, passed off the Assembly floor on March 15, with 67 co-authors and no opposition. Talk about bipartisanship!

The measure recognizes "Arts education, which includes dance, music, theatre, and the visual arts, is an essential and integral part of basic education for all pupils in prekindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1 through 12; and ...The arts are crucial to achieving a state educational policy that is devoted to the teaching of basic academic skills and lifelong learning capacities with the goal of truly preparing all children for success after high school."

The measure goes on to highlight the further benefits of a quality arts education, recognizes the new funding for arts education in the current budget, and concludes by encouraging "all legislators to participate with their educational communities in celebrating the arts with meaningful activities and programs for pupils, teachers, and the public that demonstrate learning and understanding in the visual and performing arts, and urges all residents to become interested in and give full support to quality school arts programs for children and youth."

If you would like to read the full text of the resolution, click here.

March 7, 2007

Update On Arts Education Funding
The $500 million funding for Arts Education and Physical Education continues to move through the administrative process within the Department of Education. The letters from School Fiscal Services to county superintendents are now expected to be sent out in late March/early April. These letters will let superintendents know that they may inform districts, charters and the county office of education about the apportionment they will be receiving. The checks from the controller's office to county treasurers are expected to be sent out two to four weeks after the letters are mailed. At that time the apportionment

The $105 million funding for Arts Education has had its first payment made to all districts, charters and county offices of education programs. That payment is a 75% payment based upon 2005-2006 school enrollment data. The remaining 25% payment, scheduled to be disbursed late June, 2007 will be based upon 2006-2007 school enrollment data. If a charter is new for 2006-2007 they did not receive a January 75% payment. They will receive 100% payment when the June 2007 disbursement is made. If you would like to check the apportionment to a particular district, go to www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/ca/. Then click on “Arts and Music Block Grant”, “Program Funding Results”, and “Schedule”.

February 21, 2007

Update On Arts Education Funding
Information continues to gather from various parts of the state as we hear evidence that the initial payment of the new funding for visual and performing arts education is reaching school districts. In some districts the discussion has already begun as to how to invest this money. In other districts advocates are awaiting word from the district as to how they intend to proceed. If you would like to check the apportionment to a particular district, go to www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/ca/. Then click on “Arts and Music Block Grant”, “Program Funding Results”, and “Schedule”.

As we reported in the last newsletter, the letters of notification regarding the $500 Million for One-Time Funding for the purchase of arts, music and/or physical education supplies and equipment and professional development are expected to go out to county superintendents around March 15, 2007. The first payment of that funding, of 75%, is anticipated to be paid out in late March/early April, 2007.

CAAE strongly asserts that this money should be used to create, improve, or expand high quality, standards-based, in-school visual and performing arts education for all students. We believe that the perspective of all key stakeholders must be brought to the table to envision a district wide plan that will help determine the best use of these new state budget funds. The list should include administrators, teachers, parents, community and business leaders, and representative of arts organizations. By including these voices in the decision making process, we are empowering the entire community to embrace the impact of arts education in our school system.

We will continue to provide updates on the funding as we gather new information.

February 7, 2007

Update On Arts Education Funding
The first payment, amounting to 75% of the $105 million in funding for visual and performing arts, has been made, and should now be with each school district throughout the state. If you would like to check the apportionment to a particular district, go to www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/ca. Then click on “Arts and Music Block Grant”, “Program Funding Results”, and “Schedule”.

The letters of notification regarding the $500 Million for One-Time Funding for the purchase of arts, music and/or physical education supplies and equipment are expected to go out to county superintendents around March 15, 2007. The first payment of that funding, of 75%, is anticipated to be paid out in late March/early April, 2007.

It is the intent of the Governor and Legislature that these funds supplement, and not supplant, existing resources for the visual and performing arts (dance, music, theatre and visual arts).

We will continue to provide updates on the funding as we gather new information.

On The Legislative Front:
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 18, authored by Assemblyman Ira Ruskin (D-Redwood City) is now in print. It states that “the Legislature proclaims the month of March 2007 as Arts Education Month and encourages all educational communities to celebrate the arts with meaningful activities and programs for students, teachers, and the public that demonstrate learning and understanding in the visual and performing arts, and urges all residents to become interested in and give full support to quality school arts programs for children and youth. For the full text of the resolution, go to www.leginfo.ca.gov. Click on “Bill Information” and type in ACR 18. It is expected to be voted on by the Assembly and Senate in the coming weeks, in anticipation of Arts Education Month in March.

January 11, 2007

Update on California State Funding for Arts Education
2007 has begun with welcome news for arts education advocates! The California Department of Education notified each county superintendent, auditor and/or treasurer that the $105 million for Visual and Performing Arts Education, allocated in the 2006-07 budget, is on its way. Each county office will be letting their districts know of that district’s apportionment. (CDE also announced that the $500 million in one time funds will be distributed in late February.)

The entitlements for each local educational agency (LEA) is based on a rate of $15.94 per pupil enrolled in grades kindergarten through twelve as reported in the October 2005 California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS) enrollment collection and a minimum funding of $2,500 for school sites with 20 or fewer students and a minimum of $4,000 for school sites with more than 20 students.

It is the district’s decision as to how these funds are to be used/allocated. There is no deadline by which these funds must be spent. We are hopeful that districts will recognize this historic opportunity to invest in the future of quality arts education programs, and that decisions regarding the funds will be arrived at through a collaborative process that includes the perspective of district administrators, school administrators, and department chairs and teachers for visual and performing arts. The $105 million apportionment list and program description is posted on the CDE website.

More Good Budget News in California
On January 10, the Office of the Governor released the State Budget for 2007-08, with the good news that $109.24 million has been designated for arts education for the next fiscal year. In the coming months the specifics of the budget will be debated in Sacramento. With active support from arts advocates throughout the state, we are hopeful that this money will remain in the budget that is approved by the legislature and signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in September.

December 14 , 2006

Update On California State Funding For Arts Education
As the new funding for arts education is released by the Department of Education to school districts throughout the state, we face an entirely new set of challenges as advocates for arts education. We know that the way that both the one-time and ongoing money is spent and the results it yields may well influence whether money continues to be invested in arts education in the future.

Click here for a more in-depth look at the definition and purpose of block grants and how to make the case for successful implementation of the new state funding.

November 8, 2006

Update On California State Funding For Arts Education
With the results of the November election mostly decided, we now have a clearer sense of whom we’ll be dealing with in the coming legislative session as we work to maintain ongoing funding for visual and performing arts education. We look forward to working with the Governor’s office to ensure that, not only will this money be wisely spent at the district level, but that we build upon this investment in the years to come. We continue to monitor developments within the Department of Education regarding the distribution of both the one-time and the ongoing funds. It is our understanding that the money will be distributed from their Fiscal Services department, no later than January, 2007 for the $105 million and no later than February, 2007 for the $500 million. The initial disbursement will be 75% of the allocation; the remaining 25% will be dispersed in June. It continues to be our impression that the money will be sent directly to districts, without an application process and with minimal reporting requirements.As earlier reported in ArtsEdMail, it is anticipated that school districts will be able to find out the amount they will be receiving for both one-time and ongoing funds around December. Districts will be receiving a letter for the Department of Education that states their specific allocation. See the CA Department of Education's website for a Projected Funding Profileof the $105 million in ongoing funds.

If you have questions, please contact Laurie Schell at [email protected] or Joe Landon at [email protected].

October 26, 2006

Update On California State Funding For Arts Education
This is a time of great anticipation for visual and performing arts education advocates as we await specific information about how the one - time and ongoing statewide funds for visual and performing arts education are going to be distributed and implemented. Since our last update on October 5, we are getting a clearer picture of how that process will unfold, and although the answers to many questions are yet to come, here’s what we know so far:

From discussions with the Department of Education, our understanding is that the money will be distributed from their Fiscal Services department, no later than January, 2007 for the $105 million and no later than February, 2007 for the $500 million. The initial disbursement will be 75% of the allocation; the remaining 25% will be dispersed in June. It is our impression that the money will be sent directly to districts, without an application process and with minimal reporting requirements.

It is anticipated that school districts will be able to find out the amount they will be receiving for both one-time and ongoing funds around December. Districts will be receiving a letter for the Department of Education that states their specific allocation. They will also be able to access that information between November 2006 and January 2007 on the Department of Education website, http://www.cde.ca.gov. Districts are encouraged to register on the Department’s “Funding” link; that will enable them to receive the latest FAQs and information as soon as it is available.

$105 Million in Ongoing Funding for Visual and Performing Arts

The 2006-07 Budget includes $105 million in Proposition 98 General Funds for an ongoing Arts and Music Block Grant program. These funds will be distributed to school districts, charter schools and county offices of education (programs) to support standards aligned instruction in kindergarten through grade twelve. It is the intent of the Governor and Legislature that these funds supplement, and not supplant, existing resources for the visual and performing arts (dance, music, theatre and visual arts).

The allocation will be based on an equal amount per pupil or school size, with a minimum of $2,500 for school sites with twenty or fewer students and a minimum of $4,000 per site with more than twenty students.

This funding may be used to:

Hire additional staff (teachers and/or administrators)
Implement or increase staff development opportunities, as necessary to support standards-aligned visual and performing arts instruction
Purchase new materials, books, supplies, and equipment

$500 Million for One-Time Funding for Visual and Performing Arts and Physical Education

The Budget also includes $500 million in Proposition 98 General Funds on a one-time basis for the purchase of arts, music and/or physical education supplies and equipment and professional development.

The allocation will equal the amount per unit of average daily attendance in kindergarten and grades one through twelve, with a minimum funding level of $2,500 for small schools.

The funding may be used to:

Purchase visual and performing arts supplies and equipment
Purchase physical education supplies and equipment
Provide professional development in the visual and performing arts and physical education

Although many of the questions that we’ve been hearing were addressed in our last update, here are some of the questions that continue to be raised by advocates:

Does the allotted funding require any kind of specific distribution - to every school or school site councils or any other form of mandatory distribution?

There is no legislative language that requires specific allocation of the funds. Districts are not required to allocate funding to each school site. The flexibility of the legislative language allows for districts to identify district-wide priorities. What is important is that decisions be made in a collaborative and strategic way, reflecting both an understanding of curriculum and issues of access and equity.

Is it required that one-time funds be split 50-50 with PE?

This decision will be left to the discretion of the school district, to meet district needs at the local level. Visual and performing arts and physical education are in great need of reinvestment in both professional development and in the acquisition of equipment and supplies. This funding provides a unique opportunity to bring together the interests of all four arts disciplines and physical education in making these important decisions. We should seize this opportunity to become better informed about how visual and performing arts education needs might intersect with those of physical education programs.

Can the funding be used for district wide planning and curriculum development, and can funds be spent on that process?

The funding for professional development accommodates district wide planning and curriculum development needs. Each district will determine its own local plan for determining that process, including how their allotment of the money shall be spent.

Who should participate in the decisions about allocation of funding?

The perspective of all key stakeholders must be brought to the table to envision a district wide plan that will help determine the best use of the new state budget funds. The list should include administrators, teachers, parents, community and business leaders, and representative of arts organizations. By including these voices in the decision making process, we are empowering the entire community to embrace the impact of arts education in our school system. With stronger local support we are likely to build buy-in from the community and assure that funds for arts education continue to be sustained in the future.

Arts specialist teachers and visual and performing arts administrators are hired to support district wide arts education program.
Generalist teachers and dance, music, theatre, and visual arts teachers are provided with standards based professional development.
School site administrators and district level personnel are provided with leadership based professional development.
Arts education plans are formulated or activated.
Districts develop standards based curriculum, providing key elements for teachers to use in providing instruction that facilitates student learning.
Districts assure assessment of student learning and proper evaluation of instructional programs.
Instructional resources are provided to support standards-based visual and performing arts education.
Districts include monitoring and accountability as part of their visual and performing arts work. It will be important to know the impact of these funds.

We will continue to provide updates on the funding as we gather new information.

October 5, 2006

Update On California State Funding For Arts Education
All eyes were focused on Sacramento last week as Governor Schwarzenegger signed into law the single largest investment in music and arts education programs in the history of our country. A block grant of $105 million will be distributed to school districts, charter schools and county offices of education to support standards aligned instruction in kindergarten through grade twelve inclusive. The funds will be available for hiring additional staff, professional development, purchasing supplies (including books) and equipment. The funding will be allocated at an equal amount per pupil, with a minimum of $2500 for school sites with twenty or fewer students and a minimum of $4000 per site with more than twenty students.

In addition, $500 million will be distributed on a one-time basis for the purchase of arts, music and/or physical education professional development, supplies and equipment. With these resources, schools will be able to provide professional development for teachers, as well as make investments in items including musical instruments, kilns, photographic equipment and other equipment that supports standards-based instruction. Grants will be allocated to school districts, charter schools and county offices of education on an equal amount per pupil, based on the number of pupils in kindergarten and grades one through twelve, with a minimum funding level of $2500 for small schools.

As members of a wide coalition of teachers, parents, students, administrators, professional arts organizations, arts advocates, business and community leaders whose combined efforts helped secure this funding, this is a moment to celebrate together. And now, as they say, our real work begins…

Our challenge is ensure that this money implements a comprehensive vision for arts education at the local level, to ensure that every student in California benefits from this investment.

School districts will be given the flexibility to determine the most important local investments in arts education, based on their local situation and needs. Our role as advocates will be to ensure the participation of key stakeholders in discussions leading to those crucial decisions at the local level.

In the coming weeks and months, the Department of Education will be providing information related to how to access the funds, districts’ indirect charges, timeline for carryover funds, state reporting requirements, and more. While we are waiting, we need to begin the dialogue at the local level, as to how best to maximize the opportunity this funding offers.

In order for school districts to develop an effective plan of implementation, we encourage you to reach out now to your district administrators, to ensure that a process be set in motion that will ensure that all relevant parties have a place at the table, and that these principles guide the direction of local planning efforts:

Generalist teachers and dance, music, theatre, and visual arts teachers are provided with standards based professional development.
School site administrators and district level personnel are provided with leadership based professional development.
Arts education plans are formulated or activated.
Districts develop standards based curriculum, providing key elements for teachers to use in facilitating student learning.
Districts assure assessment of student learning and proper evaluation of instructional programs.
Instructional resources are provided to support standards-based visual and performing arts education.

An effective network of communication is going to be a critical component of how we coordinate our statewide advocacy efforts in the months to come. In order to assist you in passing along our best understanding of the current situation, here’s a list of the questions we’ve been hearing, along with the answers we can provide at the present time:

Is it required that one-time funds be split 50-50 with PE?

This decision will be left to the discretion of the school district, to meet district needs at the local level. Both arts and physical education are in great need of reinvestment in both professional development and in the acquisition of equipment and supplies. This funding provides a unique opportunity to bring together the interests of arts and physical education in making these important decisions. We should seize this opportunity to become better informed about how arts education needs might converge with those of physical education programs. (Areas of shared concern already exist in the curriculum of dance education.) We should work with physical education advocates to serve the best interest of students.

What is the carryover timeline? (By when do the funds need to be spent?) What are the timelines for the money?

Notice about when funds will be available and guidelines about use of funds will be forthcoming from the California Department of Education. It is likely the ongoing funds will go out in January or February of 2007.

Can the funding be used for district wide planning and curriculum development? How will districts go about creating a district wide curriculum, and can funds be spent on that process?

Can the ongoing funds be used to purchase textbooks that are coming up for adoption this year?

Yes. The Curriculum Commission has made recommendations to the State Board of Education regarding instructional materials to be adopted for kindergarten through grades eight for music, theatre, and visual arts. The State Board will address these recommendations at their November, 2006 board meeting. The ongoing funds may be used for the purchase of these instructional materials.

What percentage of local funding is allowed for indirect costs to the district?

The districts’ indirect cost is specified on the California Department of Education site, www.cde.ca.gov/fg/ac/ic. Districts are limited to that specific amount for indirect costs. It is important to assure that the monies from this funding source go directly for services that will impact the lives of students through the delivery of instruction. It is critically important that districts set an example to ensure that this money is spent on effective implementation. Clearly, how these programs are developed will be closely watched by legislators and the Governor, and the results will weigh heavily in determining whether future funds should be allotted for this purpose.

Must districts allocate the money to each school site? What are various ways of dispersing funding?

Districts are not required to allocate funding to each school site. The flexibility of the legislative language allows for districts to identify district-wide priorities. Some districts may choose to do this on a school by school basis, but that’s not the required dispersal mechanism. What is important is that these decisions be made in a collaborative and strategic way, that reflects both an understanding of curriculum and issues of access and equity. Our task is to envision and implement a system of arts education that reflects that perspective. Unless we do so, our system of arts education will continue to be unequal and ad hoc.

Who should participate in the decisions about allocation of funding?

The perspective of all key stakeholders must be brought to the table in envisioning a district wide plan. The list should include administrators, teachers, parents, community and business leaders, and representative of arts organizations. By including these voices in the decision making process, we are empowering the entire community to embrace the impact of arts education in our school system. With stronger local support we are likely to build buy-in from the community and assure that funds for arts education continue to be sustained in the future.

What should we do as advocates if a district is contemplating turning down the funds - in the case of program improvement schools or too much testing pressure?

First, take a deep breath. Second, we need to remind those who question whether there is the time and will in a stressful school situation to implement arts education that arts education helps children engage in their own process of learning and raises their level of achievement. This issue must not be divided along the lines of supporting arts education OR fulfilling required outcomes. Our challenge is to balance this opportunity with the responsibilities for accountability that our schools face.

How can I , as a parent, teacher, community member, become part of the decision-making to ensure sustainability, accountability, equitable access and quality?

Approach your local school district administrator or principal. Let them know what you know, and that you want to support these efforts. As an advocate, part of your responsibility is to take the lead in raising the issue of arts education and ensure its visibility. We need to reinvest in a process in which input from the community is crucial to the outcome.

What role should performing arts organizations play?

The legislation states that arts are the responsibility of the educational agency and that arts education must be built into the educational system. Involvement of arts organizations is an important component of that system, but it cannot replace the role of credentialed teachers in delivering daily standards-based instructional programs. Arts organizations play a vital role in enhancing arts programs; visits to museums or performing arts venues, visiting artists, and in-school performances bring the arts to life for students. Though it may be tempting for school districts to give the responsibility for arts education to an outside party such as an independent arts organization, that is not the intent of this legislation.

In closing, it’s worth noting the unique nature of this moment in time. Until now, the state of California has not dedicated funds to allow local districts to achieve these important expectations. As a result, arts instruction has been available to only some of the students, some of the time, in some of the arts disciplines. Consistent access to high quality programs is often only available for kids in privately funded programs in wealthier districts. A child’s access to arts education should not be predicated by where they happen to live. Especially when research suggests that disadvantaged students have the most to gain from consistent arts education.

Let’s get to work!

September 11, 2006

California State Visual and Performing Arts Funding: Getting It and Spending It Wisely
Back to School Greetings from CAAE
What an exciting year for all of us! CAAE and its members and allied partners pledge our support in helping you fulfill the promise of this extraordinary new funding opportunity.
Again, we wish to acknowledge the Governor and the legislature for their leadership in recognizing the essential value of an education in the arts. The overall success of the budget campaign is, however, shared among all arts education advocates. Thank you for your involvement; it made a real difference.

What now?
The California Department of Education will be issuing formal guidelines in the coming weeks that will spell out clearly how districts, charter schools and county offices of education (programs) can access the funding. In the meantime, here is a look at what the enacted budget bills say and a word about the intent of this funding. (SB1131, a clean up bill that provides for professional development with the one-time funding, is awaiting the Governor’s signature; however, we do believe it is fairly well assured.)

Note: When you read the terms “art and music” or “arts and music” in the legislation, the intent is to include the four arts disciplines listed in the Visual and Performing Arts Framework - dance, music, theatre and visual arts.

Strategic Spending
State policymakers understand the need for flexible funding, thus are allocating these block grants directly to school districts so that decisions will reflect local district needs. That said, we believe it is the intent of the Governor and Legislature that every district assess their needs in a strategic manner, with attention to the overarching goal of providing standards-aligned, sustainable, quality visual and performing arts instruction for ALL students. We applaud the many districts that have already embarked on a district-side strategic planning process that will enable program implementation over time, and encourage others to begin a similar journey.

$105 Million in Ongoing Funding for Visual and Performing Arts
The 2006-07 Budget includes $105 million in Proposition 98 General Funds for an ongoing Arts and Music Block Grant program. These funds will be distributed to school districts, charter schools and county offices of education (programs) to support standards aligned instruction in kindergarten through grade twelve.

Note: It is the intent of the Governor and Legislature that these funds supplement, and not supplant, existing resources for the visual and performing arts (dance, music, theatre and visual arts). (AB1811)

Allocation

Based on equal amount per pupil or school size.
Minimum of $2,500 for school sites with twenty or fewer students and a minimum of $4,000 per site with more than twenty students.
Estimated allocation $17-18 per student.

This funding may be used to:

Hire additional staff (teachers and/or administrators)
Implement or increase staff development opportunities, as necessary to support standards-aligned arts and music instruction
Purchase new materials, books, supplies, and equipment (AB1811)

$500 Million for One-Time Funding for Visual and Performing Arts and Physical Education
The Budget also includes $500 million in Proposition 98 General Funds on a one-time basis for the purchase of arts, music and/or physical education supplies and equipment and professional development. With these resources, schools will be able to make significant investments in items such as musical instruments, kilns, photographic equipment and multi-media design equipment.

Allocation
*Equal amount per unit of average daily attendance in kindergarten and grades one through twelve, with a minimum funding level of $2,500 for small schools

The funding may be used to:

Purchase visual and performing arts supplies and equipment
Purchase physical education supplies and equipment
Provide professional development in the visual and performing arts and physical education. (SB1131)
Estimated allocation $80 per student

Definition of Equipment and Supplies
Equipment and supplies are those items that are specific and necessary for implementing standards-based curriculum in the visual and performing arts (and physical education). Capital improvements, such as building new or renovating existing facilities, are not considered to be equipment or supplies. Contact Nancy Carr, visual and performing arts consultant with the California Department of Education, for a more comprehensive list of supplies and equipment in each arts discipline. [email protected] or go to The California Arts Project http://csmp.ucop.edu/tcap/news/support_visual.html

Note: The one-time funding is not intended to be split equally between the visual and performing arts and physical education. Again, this is a key opportunity for districts to think strategically and allocate funding to designated priority areas that support standards-aligned instruction.

More to Come
We anticipate the Department of Education will also provide information in the following areas in their upcoming communiqué: how to access the funds, districts’ indirect charges, timeline for carryover funds, state reporting requirements, and more.
CAAE will be providing updates throughout the year, asking for your stories about the impact of the funding, and seeking opportunities to more firmly establish the ongoing arts funding through education policy and local advocacy efforts. We look forward to returning to our regular bi-monthly ArtsEdMail format in the next month.

Sources:
Department of Finance

California State Legislature: AB1811, SB1131

June 30, 2006

$105 Million Allocation for Arts Education Makes History in California and Nationwide
In approving the final budget on June 30, 2006, California designated the largest known state-funded expenditure for arts education in public schools in California and nationwide. Schools will now receive an estimated $105 million in ongoing funding for arts education (estimated at $17-18 per student), in addition to a one-time allocation of $500 million for arts, music, and physical education equipment. This funding stream will go to every school district statewide, slowing an alarming trend of cuts for arts and music in public schools.

We applaud Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature for making this funding a reality. And we also need to give credit to the tireless arts education advocates throughout the state who came together to fight for something vitally important for our children. In addition to the thousands of individuals who met with legislators, wrote letters, sent faxes and emails, organizations instrumental to making this funding a reality include: The California State PTA, NAMM: The International Music Products Association, the Music For All Foundation, The Recording Academy, the Music Center: Performing Arts Center of California County, and the CA Alliance for Arts Education Board of Directors. The California Arts Council, California Arts Advocates, Alameda County Office of Education, VH1 Save the Music Foundation, Americans for the Arts, MENC: The National Association of Music Education, The California Music Project, Yamaha Corporation, and countless others also provided invaluable support.

CAAE would also like to acknowledge the work of Kathryn Lynch of Lynch and Associates. We are indeed fortunate to have such a skilled legislative advocate and strategist working on our behalf. Kathy’s on-the-ground presence in Sacramento and strong relationships at the Capitol were essential to our work and our success.

We look forward to a sustained and growing commitment to funding arts education in California. This funding is the beginning, not the end, of what we hope will give every child the opportunity for a quality education.

Act Now to thank the Governor and your legislators to thank them for their leadership and commitment to this historic investment, which moves California closer to putting arts education where it belongs: in every classroom across the state.

ArtsEdMail will be on summer hiatus during the months of July and August; however, we will continue to bring you occasional updates on the implementation of the arts education funding allocations. We know you are anxious to learn how to access the funding and what the accountability mechanisms will be. The California Department of Education will also be communicating directly with school districts about implementation.

Highlights from the 2006-07 Enacted State Budget
(Source: http://www.ebudget.ca.gov/Enacted/BudgetSummary/k12/8877746.html)

ARTS AND MUSIC BLOCK GRANT
The 2006-07 Budget includes $105 million Proposition 98 General Fund for an annual Arts and Music Block Grant program. These funds will be distributed to school districts, charter schools and county offices of education to support standards aligned instruction in kindergarten through grade twelve. The funds will be available for hiring additional staff, staff development, purchasing materials, books, supplies and equipment. The funding will be allocated at an equal amount per pupil, with a minimum of $2,500 for school sites with twenty or fewer students and a minimum of $4,000 per site with more than twenty students.

ARTS, MUSIC AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION ONE-TIME EQUIPMENT GRANTS
The Budget also includes $500 million Proposition 98 General Fund on a one-time basis for the purchase of arts, music and/or physical education supplies and equipment. With these resources, schools will be able to make significant investments in items such as musical instruments, kilns, photographic equipment and multi-media design equipment. Further, this significant investment of resources will allow schools to make meaningful investments in order to improve and expand the infrastructure of physical education programs to help address the rising incidence of obesity. Grants will be allocated to school districts, charter schools and county offices of education on an equal amount per pupil, based on the number of pupils in kindergarten and grades one through twelve, with a minimum funding level of $2,500 for small schools.

June 15, 2006

Arts Education Funding: A Final Push
Currently, the Conference Committee of the California State Legislature has approved a budget with $75 million in Prop 98 for ongoing arts education funding. No designated funds for materials and equipment for arts education are included in the budget. In a recent briefing with the Governor’s high level staff, CAAE and other arts education advocates learned this item remains a priority for the Governor, and that an increased investment is needed to ensure quality, equity and access in the visual and performing arts - $166 million for ongoing arts and music block grants and $250 million in a one-time block grant for arts education supplies, materials, and equipment.

A final budget is expected within the next several days or by the end of June. Please ACT NOW!

Take Immediate Action:
Call: Senator Don Perata (D-Oakland) 916-651-4009 and
Assembly member Fabian Nunez (D- Los Angeles) 916-319-2046
Fax: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger 916-445-4633

Ask them to:

Fully fund the Governor’s proposed $166 million ongoing investment to reinvigorate and strengthen music and arts education programs. These programs have suffered dramatic cutbacks over the years. With a strong economy now is the time to reinvest in these critical programs for our children.
Fully fund the Governor’s proposed $250 million one time funding for materials and supplies to support the new programs. The two items (ongoing and one-time funds) go hand-in hand as part of one overall strategy. Emerging arts education programs will not get off the ground without the one-time investment in critical "infrastructure" (e.g. instruments, art supplies, dance floor, arts textbooks, updating theatres, kilns, etc.)

June 10, 2006

$75 Million for Arts Education
On Saturday, June 10, the legislative budget conference committee approved $75 million in ongoing funds for arts education. The proposed $250 million one-time money for purchase of needed arts materials, equipment, instruments, supplies was eliminated in favor of a discretionary block grant of $1.15 billion that would be allocated to school districts (25%) and school sites (75%). The one-time funding may be used for arts and music supplies; however, the funds may be spent at the discretion of the district or school site. Despite the elimination of the 1-time funding, this is a victory for arts education in California. $75 million is a historic allocation for arts education in California-- and nationwide!

A note of caution: The budget is not yet finalized. A Floor vote will likely take place this week, as the constitutional deadline is June 15. This vote, however, might not be the final one; discussions will continue with the Governor until a final agreement is reached. There are big areas in the budget, in addition to education, that require further agreement among the leaders. If all goes according to plan, we are still hoping for an on-time budget. So, while it is not likely that the arts and music block grant will be less than $75 million, it is not over yet.

CAAE continues to be vigilant and will apprise you of next steps at the appropriate time. Our legislative advocate, Kathryn Lynch of Lynch & Associates, has done a superb job in advocating on behalf of arts education constituents; she will continue to advise us on strategies throughout the process.

Take a moment to savor the victory. We will let you know if further action is needed. Thanks to your efforts, we are almost there.

May 24, 2006

Assembly Moves to Cut Arts Block Grant Funding
Late in the afternoon of May 23, the Assembly Education Budget Subcommittee acted to cut all the new ongoing categorical programs, including the arts block grant funding, in favor of a mega one-time block grant of $1.6 billion that would have virtually no restrictions as to how it is spent. The move is in stark contrast to the actions of the Senate Education Budget Subcommittee, who voted to approve $150 million in ongoing arts block grant funding and left the door open for future discussion about the one-time $250 million in supplies and equipment for the arts. The rationale behind the Assembly decision is that it allows more flexibility for districts if the money is not restricted and also would not put a lock on future funding. Democrats all voted in favor and Republicans voted against the mega block grant.

Because the Senate and Assembly versions differ, the issue will now go to the Conference Committee and the Big 5 (Governor plus Republican and Democrat leaders in each chamber). Legislative leaders in education are also key targets.

The budget is moving ahead on a very fast track. A final budget may be reached as early as June 15.

With your help, we can preserve the funds in the budget to help shape the potential long-term impact on arts education in California.

As in previous budget years, the final moments of budget decisions are often a flurry of back-room dealing and negotiations that have nothing to do with what is best for the students of California. Let your legislators know that we must stand up for a quality education for all students—one that includes the arts. Make your voice heard on this issue!

An investment of a few minutes of your time today could well result in $150 million tomorrow!

URGENT ACTION NEEDED IMMEDIATELY!!
Action is needed immediately. The budget may close out as early as June 15.

Identify individuals to place strategic high level phone calls to legislative leadership - we need calls from leaders in education, business, civic, music and entertainment industry sectors:
Senator Don Perata (D-Oakland) 916-651-4009
Senator Dick Ackerman (R-Tustin) 916-651-4003
Senator Jack Scott, (D- Pasadena) 916-445-5976
Senator Wesley Chesbro (D- Eureka) 916-445-3375
Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (R- Temecula) 916-445-9781
Assemblymember Fabian Nunez (D- Los Angeles) 916-319-2046
Assemblymember Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) 916-319-2032
Assemblymember George Plescia (R- San Diego) 916-319-2075
Assemblymember Jackie Goldberg (D- Los Angeles) 916-319-2045
Assemblymember Lynn Daucher (R- Anaheim) 916-319-2072
Assemblymember John Laird (D- Santa Cruz) 916-319-2027
Assemblymember Rick Keene (R- Chico) 916-319-2003

Talking points:
Express Support for the Governor's Allocation: I support the Governor's commitment to designated funding for K-12 arts education in our public schools. This allocation recognizes the enormous value that the arts bring to student learning, the creativity of our workforce, and the vitality of our state.

Recommendation to Adopt Senate Version: I urge you, in your leadership position, to adopt the Senate version in recommending the Arts Block Grant as an ongoing program funded at $150 million with an additional one-time allocation for equipment and supplies. It is critical that the Arts Block Grants are preserved for our students.

Describe How the Allocation Addresses Inequity: For too long, students in wealthy school districts have benefited from arts education while others have gone without. By approving equitable funding statewide, we will address inequities that pervade our public schools. Access to a quality education, which includes the arts, must be available to all students.
Write your legislators to urge their support for the Senate version - $150 million for ongoing arts block grant funding.
Step 1: Go to http://capwiz.com/artsusa/ca/state/main/?state=CA
Step 2: Enter your zip code
Step 3: Scroll down to My Elected Officials to see if your full address is required
Step 4: Click on the TAKE ACTION button with the headline: Support $150 million for arts education in California
Step 5: Follow the directions to customize your letter and send
Write the Governor to thank him for his leadership in allocating designated funding for arts education, and urge him to continue to stand firm on his commitment.
Step 1: Go to http://capwiz.com/artsusa/ca/state/main/?state=CA
Step 2: Enter your zip code
Step 3: Click on the TAKE ACTION button with the headline: Governor Schwarzenegger Increases Investment in Arts Education in California
Step 4: Follow the directions to customize your letter and send

May 18, 2006

Write in support of the $150M Arts Block Grant Funding
The proposal won a significant victory on May 18, as the Senate Education Budget Subcommittee passed the ongoing arts block grant funding at $150 million. The Assembly Budget Subcommittee is expected to take action on Monday, May 22.

We applaud the Governor’s leadership and the Senate Education Subcommittee in recognizing the essential value of visual and performing arts instruction for all California students. CAAE needs your help in mobilizing support for this historic opportunity to revitalize the many arts programs that have been diminished or eliminated since the adoption of Prop 13 in 1978.

May 12, 2006

Governor Proposes $416 Million for Arts Education in California Public Schools
In the revised state budget released on May 12, 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger has increased the proposed $100 million for arts block grant funding to $166 million. In addition, the Governor proposes one-time funding of $250 million for arts and music equipment and supplies.

The Governor describes the funding as a strategic ongoing investment, which will help to restore crucial educational services that have been reduced, or eliminated in recent years and guide the way to major improvements in California's public schools. (To read more go to CAAE News)

This is great news for arts education funding in California. We have every reason to be pleased with our strong advocacy efforts. However, the budget is not finalized until it passes the Legislature and is signed by the Governor. The Senate and Assembly Education and Budget Subcommittees will take action before the item goes to conference and to a final vote. Your voice is critical to this last final push!

January 2, 2006

In the recently released 2006 - 2007 state budget, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger includes an historic augmentation for visual and performing arts instruction in California schools. The funds, to be allocated to districts and county offices of education on a per pupil block grant basis, are to be used for hiring teachers, purchasing books, supplies and equipment, and for staff development. CAAE applauds the Governor for his recognition of the essential value of arts learning for all students.

Read Governor's Budget- Art and Music Grants
Read Governor's Budget- Major Program Changes
Read CAAE Press Advisory, January 4, 2006