Minnesota School Fund Amendment Could Increase Funding for Redwood County Schools

Minnesota voters are deciding on November 3, 2026, whether to change the way the state's Permanent School Fund distributes money to public schools. The fund, worth roughly $2.3 billion, is supported by revenue from school trust lands and investments.

Under the current approach, school districts receive interest and dividends, representing about 2.5 percent of the fund's value annually. The amendment would permit a distribution policy targeting approximately 4.5 percent, with the change taking effect July 1, 2027. Statewide estimates suggest about $33 more per student, although actual district amounts would depend on enrollment and distribution rules.

For Redwood Area, Wabasso, Cedar Mountain and Red Rock Central, the question is whether an existing state resource could provide additional school support without raising individual income or property taxes.

Source: Minnesota Secretary of State and MPR News. Illustrative image: School desks, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).