Constitutional Amendment will Appear on Ballot this Fall

A constitutional amendment decision will appear for voters on the November 3rd ballot pertaining to the permanent school fund. School Districts have received minimal proceeds from this fund since 1858 and the question on ballots across the state will ask if it can be raised.

ACGC School Board Chair Jeanna Lilleberg is not taking sides on the issue, but wants people to be aware that it will be on the ballot and to do some research before they vote. She says if you choose to just ignore it and leave it blank when you are voting, it will count as a “no” vote.

Lilleberg says the fund currently pays school districts about $58 per student and if the amendment passes, it would increase to about $101 per student. She says it’s not tied to our property or income taxes, but rather, it’s part of the school trust lands which gets revenue from things like timber sales and mining leases. Lilleberg says you can do a search on the internet for “Minnesota Permanent School Fund Amendment” to find more information.