Welcome to an in-depth overview of The Arts and Music in Schools Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act program.
CLICK HERE to download the March 14, 2024 Webinar pdf.
This comprehensive breakdown delves into the intricate mechanisms of funding calculations, distribution, and utilization of AMS funds. From delineating recipient eligibility and funding sources to outlining how schools can employ these funds, this comprehensive guide provides a nuanced understanding of the AMS program. Explore the specifics of fund allocation, criteria for expenditure, compliance standards, and the pivotal role of reporting and audits in ensuring accountability and transparency. Dive into the intricacies of this initiative designed to foster arts education across public preschools, K–12 institutions, and specialized state schools, offering insights into funding intricacies and usage directives that drive the enhancement of arts education within educational ecosystems.
I. Funding Calculations and Apportionment of Funds
AMS Funding Recipients: The beneficiaries of AMS funding include public preschools, Transitional Kindergarten through grade 12 public schools (including charter schools), and State Special Schools such as the California School for the Blind and the California School for the Deaf.
Preschool Funding Allocation: AMS funds earmarked for preschools are allocated to LEA-based California state preschool programs and preschools for pupils with exceptional needs. The California Department of Education (CDE) computes amounts for each eligible school site, with the LEA responsible for distribution.
Rollout Timeline: Initial entitlement estimates are accessible on the Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools webpage. Payments to LEAs commence from the 2023–24 First Principal Apportionment, starting February 2024.
Available Funding: The budget for the 2023–24 fiscal year designates approximately $938 million for the AMS program. This yearly allocation corresponds to 1% of the prior fiscal year’s Proposition 98 funding for K–12 education.
Annual Funding Changes: The Department of Finance determines annual funding amounts before the start of each fiscal year. Once determined, this allocation remains fixed for that fiscal year.
AMS Fund Allocation Method: AMS funds are automatically distributed to K–12 LEAs based on the statewide total enrollment and the proportion of economically disadvantaged pupils.
Funding Calculation Data Sources: AMS funding calculations rely on prior year pupil enrollment and the count of pupils eligible for free or reduced-price meals (FRPM). Data sources include CALPADS and reports specific to enrollment statistics.
Determinative Elementary School: For preschool pupils eligible for AMS funding, the FRPM percentage of the determinative elementary school is applied to the preschool’s enrollment to gauge economically disadvantaged pupil counts.
LEA Threshold for Expenditure Requirement: The determination of whether an LEA exceeds the 500-pupil threshold dictates whether they need to allocate at least 80% of AMS expenditures for certificated or classified employees for arts education programs.
II. Use of AMS Funds
Arts Program Inclusions: AMS funds cover an extensive range of arts programs encompassing dance, music, visual arts, and more.
School Program Selection: Schools have autonomy in choosing the arts program(s) they offer, involving collaboration with stakeholders like administrators, teachers, families, and students.
Funding Use Restrictions: AMS funds must be entirely devoted to arts education programs. Larger LEAs (with 500+ pupils) are mandated to allocate 80% of the funds for staffing, with administrative expenses capped at 1%.
Pooling and Reallocation: While schools can share resources, funds are not transferable among schools within an LEA, as stipulated by the statutes governing AMS funding.
III. Expenditure Reporting, Annual Audits, and Waivers
Reporting Requirements: Both school sites and LEAs are subjected to specific reporting requirements for AMS funds, ensuring transparency and accountability in fund usage.
Supplement Not Supplant: Compliance with the requirement that AMS funds supplement, not supplant, existing arts education funding is mandatory for LEAs.
Expenditure Period: AMS funds remain available for expenditure for up to three fiscal years, with unutilized funds reported and reallocated if necessary.
State Compliance Audit: AMS funds are subject to annual state compliance audits from the 2023–24 fiscal year onwards to ensure adherence to prescribed usage and reporting standards.
Waiver Process: Under certain circumstances, the CDE has the discretion to grant waivers for compliance with AMS funding regulations.
Waiver Submission: Waiver requests are submitted by LEAs, not individual school sites, seeking exemption from specific AMS funding requirements or conditions.
Visit the California Department of Education website for even more detailed questions and answers on Proposition 28.