Permanent School Fund Information
Every Minnesota public school student is part of a trust fund.
This fall, Minnesotans have the opportunity to vote to update our state’s constitution to pass an amendment to improve how the Minnesota Permanent School Fund supports students, schools, and communities. The Minnesota Permanent School Fund is one of the oldest sources of funding for public education in our state. It was created in 1858 when Minnesota became a state to provide long-term support for public education.
If the amendment is passed by voters this fall, Roseville Area Schools will receive approximately $239,000 in additional funds per year from the Minnesota Permanent School Fund. This additional funding will go directly to our district's classrooms to support student learning.
This recommendation preserves the Permanent School Fund balance for future generations of public school students and increases distribution for current students without increasing existing taxes or costing Minnesotans more money.
Video: The Permanent School Fund Explained
Three Things Every Minnesotan Should Know
- The Permanent School Fund already exists.
- The amendment does NOT raise taxes.
- The proposal updates how the fund distributes money to schools.
Why is this bring proposed?
- The fund balance has increased signficantly – from $675 million in 2010 to $2.3 billion in 2025.
- The distribution methods have not changed since the fund was constitutionally created.
What would change?
| CURRENT | WITH VOTER APPROVAL |
|---|---|
| 2-2.5% annual distribution | Estimated 4.5% annual distribution* |
| Interest and dividends only | Includes full market value |
| Around $68 per student | Around $101 per student |
| * This would provide an estimated $239,000 per year for Roseville Area Schools. | |
What would not change?
-
The fund remains.
-
No existing taxes are increased.
- No new taxes.
- Every public, charter, and tribal school benefits.
Official Ballot Language
"Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to increase 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?"
Leaving the question blank is a NO vote. In Minnesota, constitutional amendments require a majority of all voters casting ballots in that election to pass.