Detroit Lakes , MN (KDLM)-
Minnesota voters will decide in November whether to change how the state’s Permanent School Fund provides money to public schools.
The fund was established in 1858 and generates revenue from state trust lands and investments. Money comes from activities such as timber sales, mining and land leases, and is distributed annually to school districts and charter schools.
The amendment, approved by the 2026 Minnesota Legislature with strong bipartisan support, would increase the annual distribution from the fund to 4.5 percent of its average value over three years. That’s up from recent distributions of about 2 to 2.5 percent.
Supporters say the change could provide more money for schools while protecting the fund’s long-term value for future generations. The proposal would not raise property or individual income taxes.
If approved, the change would take effect July 1, 2027, for school funding beginning in fiscal year 2028.
The ballot question asks whether the Minnesota Constitution should be amended to increase funding going to all school districts from the Permanent School Fund.
Voters can select yes or no. Under Minnesota election rules, leaving the constitutional amendment question blank has the same effect as voting no.
More information about the amendment and the official ballot language is available on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.
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