Permanent School Fund Constitutional Amendment
09/26/2026...Minnesota voters will see a proposed constitutional amendment on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot related to the Minnesota Permanent School Fund.
The Hills-Beaver Creek School District is sharing the following information to help our community understand the question and make an informed decision.
What is the Permanent School Fund?
The Permanent School Fund is a constitutionally established fund that benefits Minnesota public schools. Revenue generated from Minnesota school trust lands is deposited into the fund and invested for the benefit of public education. Every Minnesota public school district and charter school receives an annual distribution from the fund based on student enrollment.
What would the amendment change?
Currently, distributions are generally based on the fund's interest and dividends. The proposed amendment would change the Minnesota Constitution to allow the fund to be managed with a distribution policy intended to provide annual distributions while preserving the fund's purchasing power for current and future students. Under legislation accompanying the amendment, annual distributions could increase to as much as 4.5% of the fund's three-year average value. The current distribution is approximately 2.5% of the endowment's net asset value.
What does this mean for Hills-Beaver Creek? The Hills-Beaver Creek School district would gain approximately an additional $27-$33 per student/year. Or approximately $10,000 overall.
Would this raise individual income or property taxes? The ballot language states that the Permanent School Fund supports school districts without raising individual income or property taxes.
When would the change take effect?
If approved by voters, the constitutional amendment would take effect July 1, 2027, with the related distribution changes applying to aid payable in Fiscal Year 2028.
What will voters see on the ballot?
The question is titled “Increasing funding to school districts.” Minnesota law also provides that not voting on a constitutional amendment has the same effect as voting No.
We encourage residents to learn more about the proposal and review information from official State of Minnesota sources before voting.
🔗 Minnesota Secretary of State – Constitutional Amendment Information:View the official ballot language and amendment information
🔗 Minnesota Office of School Trust Lands – Permanent School Fund: Learn how Permanent School Fund revenue is distributed to Minnesota schools
🔗 Minnesota Permanent School Fund – 2026 Amendment More information
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
This information is provided for educational purposes.