WHAT IS THE PERMANENT SCHOOL FUND?
This November, Minnesota voters will consider a constitutional amendment related to the Minnesota Permanent School Fund (PSF). As part of our commitment to keeping stakeholders informed on issues affecting public education, we want to provide an overview of the proposed amendment.
The Permanent School Fund was established when Minnesota became a state in 1858 and is one of the oldest sources of funding for public education in the state. Today, the fund has grown to more than $2.3 billion through revenue generated from school trust lands and investment earnings and provides annual distributions to every public school district, charter school, and tribal school in Minnesota.
By 1900, many of the original acres in the southern part of the state had been sold. State policy then shifted to preserving remaining lands for the long-term interest of Minnesota’s Public School students.
In 2024, Minnesota Legislature establishes nonpartisan task force to evaluate and make recommendations to the legislature.
January 2026, the permanent school fund task force reported their recommendations to the legislature.
In May of 2026, The Minnesota House and Senate passed legislation to update how the Permanent School Fund is distributed.
Quick Facts to Know Before Voting:
-> THE PERMANENT SCHOOL FUND HAS EXISTED SINCE 1858
It was created when Minnesota became a state to provide long-term support for public education.
-> THE FUND ALREADY BENEFITS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Every public school district, charter school, and tribal school currently receives funding from the fund.
-> THE AMENDMENT IMPROVES THE DISTRIBUTION FORMULA AND DOES NOT RAISE TAXES
The proposal simply updates how annual distributions are calculated. It does not increase property taxes, income taxes, sales taxes, or any other tax.
-> THE FUND REMAINS DEDICATED TO PUBLIC EDUCATION
The amendment does not change the purpose of the fund.
-> EVERY DISTRICT WILL BENEFIT
Funding would continue to be distributed to ALL school districts, charter schools, and tribal schools throughout Minnesota.
-> VOTER APPROVAL IS REQUIRED
Because the current formula is contained in the Minnesota Constitution, voters must approve any changes.
-> A BLANK VOTE IS A NO VOTE
For Minnesota constitutional amendment votes, if a voter skips the questions, it is counted as "no" vote.
-> THE GOAL IS TO SUPPORT BOTH CURRENT AND FUTURE STUDENTS
The proposal was developed to increase support for today's students while maintaining the fund as a long-term resource.
For more information, please visit the MN Permanent School Fund Amendment website.