Voters to decide Permanent School Fund allocation formula on November 3

Along with casting votes for candidates for office this fall, ballots for voters in Anoka-Hennepin and across Minnesota will include a question that, if approved, would adjust the Minnesota Permanent School Fund to increase revenue for education without increasing property taxes. 

What is it? The Permanent School Fund was formed when Minnesota became a state in 1858 as proceeds from land provided from the federal government were directed to fund public education for children as included in the state constitution. A change or amendment in the constitution requires a statewide vote. 

Why it matters: The majority of revenue to operate Anoka-Hennepin Schools is provided by taxpayers at the state, national and local level. Permanent School Fund revenue is generated through timber sales, mining, land leases, and other resource activities generated by the 2.5 million acres of land and 1 million acres of mineral rights managed through the fund. 

The question: The ballot question would increase the funding allocation from the PSF to 4.5% of proceeds, up from the current 2.5% allocation. For Anoka-Hennepin, this would result in an estimated $33 increase in per-pupil funding or $1.2 million annually. If not approved by voters, the fund would remain at its current allocation level, the land would remain in trust and operations would continue in their current format.  

Review the fact sheet.

Go deeper: The ballot question was authorized by the Minnesota Legislature following a 134-0 vote in the House of Representatives and strong bi-partisan support in the Minnesota Senate.  This action followed a recommendation from a non-partisan task force assigned to study and recommend updates to the allocation formula with the goal of providing a sustainable funding source to support Minnesota’s children in alignment with the original purpose of the fund. 

Vote: In order to gain approval for a Minnesota constitutional amendment, a majority of all voters participating in the election would need to vote yes. If a voter leaves the question blank, it counts as a no vote.

Learn more: Detailed information is available at https://www.mnpsfamendment.org/. 

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OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE

“Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to increase the funding going to all school districts from the permanent school fund, which is a fund that supports school districts without raising individual income or property taxes, effective July 1, 2027?”

Voters who bypass voting on the ballot measure are considered “no” votes.