Superintendent's News

September 8, 2026

School Matters

by:  Wayne LePard, Superintendent

Minnesota’s Permanent School Fund - November Ballot Question

Short Video Summary Link: https://mnmsba.org/advocacy/permanent-school-fund/ 

Summary Information LinK: https://mnmsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PSF-Info-Sheet-Public.pdf 

Dear Royalton School Community and Families, 

Minnesota voters will decide on a constitutional amendment in the November 2026 general election that would modernize how money is distributed from the state’s Permanent School Fund. The fund, which was established when Minnesota’s Constitution was ratified in 1858, generates revenue from school trust lands through activities such as mining, timber harvesting, and land leases. Today, the fund has grown to more than $2.2 billion and provides annual support to public, charter, and tribal schools across the state.

Under current constitutional rules, annual distributions are largely limited to the fund’s interest and dividends, averaging about 2.5% of its value. The proposed amendment would replace that system with a more predictable annual payout equal to 4.5% of the fund’s three-year average market value. Supporters argue that this approach better reflects modern investment practices, provides steadier funding, and protects the fund’s long-term purchasing power without increasing taxes.

I strongly support the measure and emphasize that the amendment represents a rare bipartisan achievement. The proposal passed the Minnesota House 133-0 and the Senate 59-8 before being placed on the November ballot.

For Royalton residents, the amendment would bring local benefits. It is estimated that the Royalton Public School District could receive approximately $40,000-$45,000 in additional annual revenue. While that amount would not solve Minnesota’s broader school funding challenges, it would provide meaningful support for students and staff. 

A key selling point for supporters is that the amendment does not raise property, income, or sales taxes. Instead, it allows schools to receive a slightly larger share of earnings generated by an existing state asset. Safeguards built into the proposal, including the use of a three-year rolling average, are intended to protect the fund from excessive withdrawals.

One important detail for voters is that constitutional amendments require an affirmative vote. Under Minnesota law, leaving the amendment question blank effectively counts as a “no” vote. For Royalton, the decision will be an opportunity to weigh whether a modest but meaningful increase in school funding should come from a resource that has supported Minnesota education since statehood.

Sincerely, Wayne LePard-Superintendent