On the Ballot: Permanent School Fund Constitutional Amendment
A Boost for Schools Without a Tax Hike
This November, Minnesota voters will be asked to vote on an amendment to our state’s constitution by voting on an amendment that would modernize how Minnesota’s Permanent School Fund (PSF) distributes revenue to public schools.
If approved, Bloomington Public Schools would receive around $300,000 in additional annual funding.
What is the Permanent School Fund?
The PSF was created upon Minnesota’s statehood and set aside approximately 2.5 million acres of land for public education. Money from this land comes from revenue generated from mining, timber and leases. The trust fund has grown to approximately $2.3 billion.
About 2-2.5% of the fund’s interest and dividends are paid out to public schools twice per year based on student enrollment. By constitutional design, the principal of the fund cannot be spent.
What does the amendment change?
The proposed constitutional amendment asks voters whether to increase the distribution to 4.5% of the fund’s three-year rolling average market value. Passing the measure would not increase state income taxes or local property taxes.
Why is this on the ballot?
A non-partisan task force of school board members and education leaders across Minnesota urged lawmakers to place the measure on the ballot to provide additional, ongoing revenue to help districts address rising costs, maintain student programs and services, and ease pressure on operating budgets. The proposed amendment had strong bi-partisan support.
What types of school expenses does the Minnesota Permanent School Fund pay for?
Distributions from the fund support the full range of educational services provided by Minnesota schools, including instructional materials, curriculum development, teacher salaries, extracurricular activities, and the construction and maintenance of school facilities.
Make a plan to vote
Under Minnesota law, constitutional amendments require approval from a majority of all voters participating in the election. A ballot left blank on the amendment is counted as a “no” vote.
Option 1: Vote Early
Early voting takes place between Sept. 18 and Nov. 2 by mail or in person. To vote early by mail, request an absentee ballot from the Secretary of State website. In-person early voting for Bloomington residents takes place at Bloomington Civic Plaza, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431. Find more in-person early voting locations, depending on where you live.
Option 2: Vote on Election Day
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Go to pollfinder.sos.mn.gov to find your election day polling location. Then visit your designated polling location between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Learn More
Learn more about the Permanent School Fund at mnPFSamendment.org. Additional resources include: