Arts and Music in Schools—Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act: local control and accountability plan electronic template.
If enacted, AB 115 is poised to amend existing provisions of the Education Code, specifically Sections 8820, 8821, and 14041, to guarantee that funds appropriated under this act supplement existing arts education programs. This means that funds are earmarked to be added on top of current educational budgets rather than replacing them, which advocates argue is essential to maintaining robustness in art and music programming for all grades, including preschool.
Assembly Bill 115, also known as the Arts and Music in Schools Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act, seeks to ensure that K-12 public schools receive consistent funding to enhance art and music education programs. This legislation is a response to the broader educational funding discussions in California and is particularly tied to Proposition 28, which mandates a minimum annual funding source for advancing arts education in schools. The bill stipulates a continuous appropriation from the General Fund based on a percentage of local agency revenues, thereby reinforcing the financial foundation for these educational programs.
Overall, the sentiment surrounding AB 115 appears to be predominantly positive, especially among education advocates and institutions that prioritize the arts. Supporters argue that access to art programs greatly benefits student engagement and serves to round out educational offerings. However, some concerns have been raised regarding potential administrative complexities in reporting and accountability surrounding these funds, warranting rigorous oversight to ensure appropriate use.
While many stakeholders agree on the importance of arts education funding, there are notable points of contention around the bill related to how funds will be used, the mechanics of fiscal reporting, and the timelines for fund disbursement. Additionally, the requirement for local educational agencies to report unspent funds could impose significant administrative burdens on smaller districts, leading to calls for clearer guidelines and support to alleviate potential challenges in compliance.