StoryPermanent School Fund Ballot QuestionJune 10, 2026

Voters to Consider Permanent School Fund Changes, Potential Funding Boost for Districts

A ballot question in November could amend the state constitution, altering how the permanent school fund is distributed and potentially increasing per-pupil funding for schools statewide.

Published Jun 30, 2026

Brooklyn Park, MN – Local school districts, including those serving Brooklyn Park, are closely watching a significant legislative development: a proposed ballot question in November that seeks to amend the state constitution regarding the distribution of the Permanent School Fund. If approved by voters, the amendment could lead to an increase in per-pupil funding, providing a welcome boost to school finances.

The potential impact of this ballot question was a key topic during a legislative update presented at the Brooklyn Park City Council's work session on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026. Valerie Dosland, the district's lobbyist, informed council members about the intricacies of the recent legislative session and specific measures affecting local education.

What that means is it would mean about right now districts get about $68 per pupil. The same districts get the same everywhere. This means districts would get about $40 to $50 more per pupil.
— Valerie Dosland, District's Lobbyist

Dosland's explanation underscored the direct financial benefit the constitutional amendment could bring. Currently, the Permanent School Fund distributes a fixed amount per pupil statewide. The proposed change aims to adjust this formula, potentially directing more resources to schools based on updated distribution criteria.

A Complex Legislative Landscape

The discussion around the Permanent School Fund ballot question took place within the broader context of a challenging and fragmented legislative session. Dosland highlighted the difficulty in navigating multiple education-related bills and provisions, which were often dispersed across various legislative initiatives rather than consolidated into a single education budget bill.

Other Topics from This Document

Legislative Update
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School Board Work Session Purpose
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Vision Cards A and B Data Presentation
Strategic Directions A and B
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Continuous Improvement Magnifier
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Data Measures for High Priority Initiatives
Alignment of Priorities, Strategies, and Measures
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Student Sense of Safety, Belonging, and Inclusion
Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)
Minnesota Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Tier 1 Cultural System
Tier 2 and Tier 3 Supports
Minnesota Student Survey Data
OIO Student Survey Data
Family Survey Data
Equity Transformation Cycle
Disproportionality in Student Outcomes for Black Students Receiving Special Education Services
Empathy Interviews with Students and Families
Peer Culture
Cell Phone Prohibition in Schools
Screen Time Limitations for K-2
School Safety Aid and Mental Health Grants
Teacher Pension and Earnings Limitations
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Special Education Funding Cuts
Compensatory Revenue Formula
Unemployment Insurance Funding for Districts
Mandatory Health Insurance Pool for Educators
Minimum Compensation Requirements for Staff

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Areas of Interest (18)

Concerns over a potential $250 million cut to special education funding if a blue ribbon commission fails to find savings.

The district is actively preparing for the 2027 legislative session, which will include a new administration and significant turnover in legislators.

The compensatory revenue formula is under review by a task force, with a new formula expected to be proposed.

A statewide mandatory health insurance pool for educators is a growing concern, with legislation advancing.

Data from student and family surveys reveal persistent disparities and areas for improvement in safety, belonging, and inclusion.

The school board is examining strategic directions and their alignment with system strategies and outcome measures.

A ballot question in November will propose changes to the distribution of the permanent school fund, potentially increasing per-pupil funding.

The legislative session passed an 'anti-grooming' bill following a student advocacy effort, impacting teacher licensing and reporting requirements.

Districts are allowed to use operating capital revenue for utility costs and have an extended option to reduce teacher instruction time for read training.

The district is implementing a more intentional focus on Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) braided with MTSS for academics and social-emotional learning.

A proposed bill to ban cell phones in schools, with exceptions for medical or IEP/504 accommodations, did not advance but remains a topic of discussion.

Legislation to prohibit screen time in grades K-2 is being monitored and is expected to be a future discussion topic.

The supplemental budget bill provided $10 million in one-time funding for a hold harmless on compensatory revenue, though $55 million was deemed necessary.

Ongoing challenges with state fraud and state programs, including 'Operation Metro Surge', preceded and impacted the legislative session.

The equity teams engaged in a year-long process using the 'street data' framework (listening, uncover, reimagine, move) to address disparities.

Northview Middle School is focusing on disproportionality in student outcomes for Black students receiving special education services.

A survey on health insurance data for school districts will be distributed by the legislative budget office in September.

The effectiveness of continuous improvement cycles and processes in addressing and eliminating disparities and inequities in achievement is being analyzed.

Notable Quotes (16)

And to be honest, it was quite hard to track. I don't know how anyone from the public would have followed along.
— Valerie Dosland

Legislative UpdateDescribing the complexity of tracking multiple bills and provisions during the legislative session.

So the supplemental um so there wasn't one education budget bill like we're used to. There was uh many different bills and provisions put in different pots here and there.
— Valerie Dosland

Legislative UpdateExplaining the fragmented nature of the education budget during the legislative session.

Uh, a big issue this session was whether or not school districts would receive school safety aid. Because of a disagreement with the governor and the house and senate, the Democrats and the Republicans on aid for non-public schools, no agreement was reached.
— Valerie Dosland

Legislative UpdateDiscussing the legislative stalemate on school safety aid.

What that means is it would mean about right now districts get about $68 per pupil. The same districts get the same everywhere. This means districts would get about $40 to $50 more per pupil.

People (28)

Tanya Princeschool board member