ThePermanent School Fund Constitutional Amendment Ballot Measure will be on Minnesotans’ ballot during the November 3 General Election.
On November 3, Minnesota voters will vote on a constitutional amendment to modernize how Minnesota’s Permanent School Fund supports students, schools, and communities. The constitutional amendment was approved by the Minnesota Legislature during its 2026 session with strong bipartisan support. A majority of Minnesota voters must vote “yes” for it to be adopted.
- The Permanent School Fund is a permanent state trust fund established in 1858 that generates revenue to support Minnesota public school districts, charter schools, and tribal schools.
- It gathers income from natural resource activities on school trust lands—such as mining, timber sales, and land leases—managed by the state.
- The fund has grown significantly from approximately $675 million in 2010 to more than $2.3 billion today.
- Currently, distributions are limited to net interest and earnings (roughly 2% to 2.5% of the fund’s value).
What it changes:
- The amendment increases funds to schools on an updated formula allowing an annual payout of 4.5% of the fund’s rolling three-year average market value, effective July 1, 2027.
- Tax Impact: It does not raise property, income, or sales taxes.
- It will only change how the existing fund is managed and how distributions to schools are calculated. Because this measure would amend the Minnesota Constitution, it requires approval from a majority of all voters.
In the video linked below, Denise Dittrick and Kimberley Dunn Lewis from the MN School Boards Association present nonpartisan information regarding this ballot measure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RYupXCHntU
