What BlueSky Families Should Know About the Permanent School Fund Amendment

Every Minnesota public school student is part of a trust? That includes every student at BlueSky. This November, Minnesota voters will be asked to weigh in on a constitutional amendment that would change how that trust fund supports schools across the state.

Whether you’ve never heard of the Permanent School Fund or you’ve been following the conversation for a while, here’s a look at where the fund came from, how it works today, and what the amendment on this fall’s ballot would change.

A Promise Made at Statehood

When Minnesota became a state in 1858, lands were set aside as school trust lands, held in a permanent trust with one purpose: supporting public education for generations of Minnesota students. More than 168 years later, that promise continues.

Revenue generated from those school trust lands is invested, creating Minnesota’s Permanent School Fund, which is a financial resource that supports every public school district, charter school, and tribal school in the state.

Thanks to careful management, the fund has grown from about $675 million in 2010 to more than $2.3 billion today.

How the Fund Works Today

The formula for how much the fund can send to schools each year is written into the Minnesota Constitution. According to the amendment’s organizers, those annual distributions have not kept pace with the fund’s growth, which has prompted a discussion about how distributions should be calculated going forward.

What the Amendment Would Change

Here’s the question Minnesotans will see on their ballot:

“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?”

If approved, the amendment would allow Minnesota to distribute up to 4.5% of the fund’s average value to public schools each year, beginning July 1, 2027. The goal is to increase support for today’s students while maintaining the fund as a long-term resource for future generations.

How much more would schools receive? According to the amendment’s informational website, it’s estimated that school districts could receive approximately 40% more per student if the amendment passes.

It’s just as helpful to know what the amendment would not do:

• It would not create a new fund or change the fund’s purpose of supporting public education.
• It would not increase property taxes, income taxes, sales taxes, or any other tax.

The proposal began with a nonpartisan task force created by the Minnesota Legislature to study the Permanent School Fund. The task force unanimously recommended updating the distribution formula to better reflect modern trust and endowment management practices. The proposal then received strong bipartisan support in both the Minnesota House and Senate before being placed on the ballot.

Good to Know Before You Vote

The Permanent School Fund question is the only constitutional amendment on Minnesota’s 2026 ballot. In Minnesota, a constitutional amendment passes only if it receives “yes” votes from a majority of everyone who votes in the election, so leaving the question blank has the same effect as voting no. Whatever you decide, be sure to look for the question on your ballot and mark your choice.

Make Your Voice Heard

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Absentee and early in-person voting began on September 18, so you can vote ahead of 11/3 if that’s easier for your family’s schedule.

Not sure if you’re registered or need to find your polling place? Visit mnvotes.org for everything you need. To learn more about the Permanent School Fund and this fall’s amendment, visit mnpsfamendment.org.

At BlueSky, we believe informed families make for stronger school communities. We encourage every parent in our BlueSky community to learn about the issues and make your voice heard this November.