Minnesota Voters to Weigh School Funding Proposals

State residents will vote on a constitutional amendment and local school levies on November 3 that may change future taxes.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Secondary Education

Minnesota Voters to Weigh School Funding Proposals

Live Poll

Do you support increasing local school funding through new property tax levies in your district?

On November 3, Minnesota voters will decide on a state constitutional amendment regarding the permanent school fund alongside several local school district levy proposals. These measures determine potential funding increases for classrooms and capital projects across multiple communities.

Why it matters

Approval of these ballot measures could influence local tax obligations and district budgets, providing resources for facility maintenance, safety upgrades, and classroom technology. Families should review how specific district proposals may impact their household tax burden and local school services.

The proposed constitutional amendment would distribute additional funds to districts, while specific projects in West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan and Inver Grove Heights aim to raise $4.6 million and $1.18 million respectively for upcoming tax years.

The players

St. Paul Public Schools

A public school district slated to receive approximately $900,000 if the constitutional amendment is approved.

West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan school district

A local district seeking a capital project levy to fund facility maintenance and technology improvements.

Inver Grove Heights school district

A local district requesting a capital project levy renewal to support infrastructure investments.

North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale school district

A school district that previously reduced its budget by $15 million and is now proposing a new revenue measure.

The details

The constitutional amendment modifies the distribution formula for the state's permanent school trust fund, which has expanded significantly since its 1858 inception. Local districts utilize levies based on a percentage of net tax capacity to finance specific priorities like safety improvements and building maintenance, often following periods of significant budget tightening to address financial shortfalls.

1858: The permanent school trust fund was created.
2010: Permanent school fund assets totaled $675 million.
Nov 3, 2026: Election day for the state amendment and local levy proposals.
2027: First year of new tax levies payable for approved district measures.
July 1, 2027: Start date for increased funding from the constitutional amendment.

The Home Front

These ballot measures reflect a broader trend of school districts seeking local property tax levies to offset gaps in state funding and address facility maintenance needs. The proposals arrive as districts balance long-term capital investments against the rising costs of school operations.

Property owners should review their specific school district's ballot language to understand how a levy approval would adjust their annual tax liability starting in 2027. Visit the official Secretary of State website to preview your ballot and identify which local proposals appear for your address.

The takeaway

Voters have the chance to shape future classroom funding levels through upcoming state and local ballot measures. Residents should confirm their district’s specific proposal details on their sample ballot before heading to the polls on November 3.