After a long period of minimal funding for arts programs, school districts in San Benito County are finally receiving a financial boost for their dance, music, theater and visual arts programs. In the past year, visual and performing arts programs at schools in California have seen a $105 million increase in state funding. On top of this, a one-time grant of $500 million for art, music and physical education will soon boost district coffers throughout the state. All of this adds up to the first surplus of money arts programs have seen in a long time. "This is the first time ever that the state has had this kind of money for the arts. It's historic," said Nancy Carr, a California Department of Education consultant for visual and performing arts. Traditionally, Carr said, arts grants are competitive so not all districts receive the funding. Both the ongoing funding and one-time grant will be provided to all districts in California. The one-time grant, which will be shared with the school's physical education department, is expected to be around $82 per student, according Jim Koenig, director of finance and operations at SBHS.