Today, Moorhead Area Public Schools (ISD 152) and Education Moorhead issued a joint community awareness statement regarding the Permanent School Fund constitutional amendment that will appear on the Minnesota ballot this November.
Both organizations share a common dedication to the success and well-being of every student in Moorhead. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, District 152 and Education Moorhead are joining together to share essential facts about how the Permanent School Fund supports local classrooms.
Understanding the Permanent School Fund
A 165-Year Endowment: Established in 1858, Minnesota’s Permanent School Fund consists of 2.5 million acres of public land generating ongoing revenue from natural resources to support public education.
Zero Tax Increase: The proposed constitutional amendment modernizes how existing trust land dollars are distributed to public schools. It requires no increase in individual income or property taxes.
Direct Classroom Funding: Modernizing the distribution calculation from ~2.5% to 4.5% of the fund's rolling average market value is estimated to increase statewide payouts to approximately $33 per student annually starting July 1, 2027. Funds are distributed directly to every public school district, charter school, and tribal school in Minnesota on an equal per-pupil basis.
Critical Minnesota Voting Mechanics: The "Blank Vote" Rule
Under the Minnesota Constitution, a proposed amendment must receive a majority of all total voters casting a ballot in the election to pass. Skipping or leaving the constitutional amendment question blank at the bottom of the ballot is legally counted as a "NO" vote.
Joint Statements from Leadership
"Everyone that is in the classroom benefits from this amendment. The amendment is another opportunity for the community to support our schools and not have taxes increase," said Christine Berg, President of Education Moorhead. "We are proud to partner with district leadership to share with the community how the passing of this amendment benefits Moorhead students."
"Our priority is providing transparent, easy-to-understand details so everyone in Moorhead knows how this state trust fund works and how it affects our local classrooms," said Dr. Brandon Lunak, Superintendent of Moorhead Area Public Schools. "We encourage every resident to explore the facts and make sure their voice is heard on Election Day."
Where to Learn More
Community members can find more information on the district website at www.isd152.org/psf or visit the non-partisan statewide educational hub at mnPSFamendment Portal. To review official sample ballots, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State Portal.