Minnesota voters to consider constitutional amendment for school funding

Minnesota voters will decide on a proposed constitutional amendment this fall that aims to increase annual distributions from the state’s Permanent School Fund to public schools. The amendment is designed to provide additional funding without raising taxes for residents.

The Permanent School Fund, established following Minnesota's statehood in 1858, is derived from revenue generated by school trust lands. These lands, primarily located in northern Minnesota, produce income through timber, mining, agriculture, and recreation. The fund has seen significant growth, increasing from approximately $675 million in 2010 to roughly $2.3 billion in 2025.

Supporters of the measure, including State Senator Mary Kunesh and Representative Spencer Igo, emphasize that the increase would come at zero cost to taxpayers. Depending on the district, the additional funds could range from hundreds to thousands of dollars annually for local school systems.