If the ballot question is left blank, it counts as a no vote
Dear residents of Murray County Central. I am writing to share some important information regarding the proposed Constitutional Amendment related to Minnesota’s Permanent School Fund that will appear before voters on the general election ballot.
With primary voting concluded, Minnesotans are turning their attention to the general election and the decisions they will have to make on Nov. 3.
Alongside voting for a governor, members of Congress, School Board, and other offices; Minnesota residents will have the opportunity to decide on a constitutional amendment which would alter the way Minnesota Permanent School Fund revenue is distributed to schools. The Minnesota Permanent School Fund is a constitutionally established trust that exists solely to support public education in our state. As of 2026, the fund exceeds $2.2 billion and has been built over generations through revenues generated from iron mining, timber sales and responsible land management on approximately 2.5 million acres of state trust land. The fund provides direct funding to Minnesota K-12 public and charter school districts without relying on individual income or property taxes.
The ballot question states,
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?
Yes
No
The proposed amendment would adjust distribution policies in order to responsibly increase the amount of funding distributed to schools and students across Minnesota.
Most importantly, this amendment:
Provides increased financial support directly to schools and students on a per pupil
basis
Utilizes funds that already exist within the Permanent School Fund
Does not create any new state taxes
Will not increase local taxes in any way
The Minnesota House passed the resolution 133-0, and the Minnesota Senate passed the resolution 43-24. The vote came after a nonpartisan task force was established in 2024 to make a recommendation based on the current fund distribution.
If the amendment is approved, statutory changes provide that the amount distributed will be 4.5 % of the average net asset value of the permanent school fund as of the end of the preceding three fiscal years. Current law is 2.5%. During the 25-26 school year, the Permanent School Fund distributed $63.8 million to Minnesota’s 329 public school districts and 169 charter schools.
Public trust land generates revenue largely through timber sales, mining and leases. The fund also receives money from investment earnings. The money is put into the Permanent School Fund for distribution to schools across the state.
After more than 160 years, the Permanent School Fund has around $2.3 billion saved. Much of the growth of the fund has occurred within the past 10 years. In 2010 the fund was at $675 million.
In 2025, school districts received $68 per pupil from the fund. If the amendment passes, schools would instead receive an estimated $96 per pupil, an increase of around 40%. For Murray County Central, this will be an annual increase of approximately $23,200. At a time when schools continue to face growing needs and financial pressures, this amendment offers a responsible opportunity to invest additional resources into education without placing additional burden on families, businesses, farmers, or local communities.
The amendment would not create a new fund or change the Permanent School Funds' purpose. It would not increase income taxes or property taxes.
We strongly encourage residents to learn more about this amendment. It is important for voters to understand that constitutional amendments in Minnesota require approval by a majority of all voters casting ballots in the election. Because of this, not voting on the amendment question itself is effectively counted the same as a “no” vote. By voting in favor of the amendment, Minnesotans can help provide additional educational resources for students across the state while continuing responsible stewardship of a fund that already exists for the benefit of public education.
Thank you for your continued support of Murray County Central and the students, staff, and families we proudly serve every day.