Statewide ballot item to benefit schools

“Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to increase the 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?” 

 

Minnesota voters will find this question on their ballots in November. Skipping the question is equivalent to voting against it, since if the amendment is going to pass, it must be approved by at least 51 percent of voters.

 

Business managers from the Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva and Waseca school districts appeared before the Waseca County Board of Commissioners during their June 16 meeting in order to “get the word out” regarding the benefits of the proposed constitutional amendment.

 

The Minnesota School Boards Association states the change would increase statewide yearly per-pupil distributions from approximately $68 to $96 at no cost to taxpayers. 

 

According to information shared by school business managers, JWP would anticipate a $17,000 increase; NRHEG $21,000; and Waseca $46,000.

 

According to online information shared by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the DNR is the “trustee” for about 2.1 million acres of School Trust Lands; any income derived from various activity on those lands, including leasing of mineral rights, harvesting timber, and leasing use of the land, is set aside toward supporting schools. Legislative sources explain the money provides a significant portion of the annual funding paid to school districts based on the number of students who attend.

 

District leaders requested the commissioners’ assistance in helping voters understand their yes votes will not increase anyone’s tax burden, but will be of significant benefit to education. All present expressed a willingness to work together toward informing members of the public about the amendment.