School superintendents pen letter promoting constitutional amendment

Seven area school district superintendents recently wrote a letter they hope will inform voters about a proposed constitutional amendment they will consider this November.

The letter reads as follows:

Dear Residents of Adrian, Edgerton, Ellsworth, Fulda, Heron Lake, Okabena, Round Lake,

Brewster, & Worthington,

We are writing to share important information regarding the proposed Constitutional Amendment related to Minnesota’s Permanent School Fund that will appear before voters on the general election ballot.

The Minnesota Permanent School Fund is a constitutionally established trust that exists solely to support public education in our state. As of 2026, the fund exceeds $2.2 billion and has been built over generations through revenues generated from iron mining, timber sales, and responsible land management on approximately 2.5 million acres of state trust land. Earnings from the fund are distributed directly back to Minnesota K-12 school districts.

The proposed amendment would adjust distribution policies in order to responsibly increase the amount of funding distributed to schools and students across Minnesota.

Most importantly, this amendment:

● Provides increased financial support directly to schools and students on a per pupil basis

● Utilizes funds that already exist within the Permanent School Fund

● Does not create any new state taxes

● Will not increase local taxes in any way

At a time when schools continue to face growing needs and financial pressures, this

amendment offers a responsible opportunity to invest additional resources into education without placing additional burden on families, businesses, farmers, or local communities.

Public schools are at the heart of our communities. They prepare our students for the future, support workforce development, and strengthen the vitality of our rural communities. Additional support through the Minnesota Permanent School Fund would help schools continue providing strong educational opportunities for students while supporting long-term financial stability.

We encourage residents across our communities to learn more about this amendment. It is important for voters to understand that constitutional amendments in Minnesota require approval by a majority of all voters casting ballots in the election. Because of this, not voting on the amendment question itself is effectively counted the same as a “no” vote.

By voting in favor of the amendment, Minnesotans can help provide additional educational resources for students across the state while continuing responsible stewardship of a fund that already exists for the benefit of public education.

Thank you for your continued support of public schools and the students, staff, and families we proudly serve every day.

Sincerely,

Molly Schilling - Adrian Superintendent

Keith Buckridge - Edgerton Superintendent

Bill Strom - Ellsworth Superintendent

Mike Pagel - Fulda Superintendent

Paul Bang - Heron Lake-Okabena Superintendent

Ray Hassing - Round Lake-Brewster Superintendent

Joel Heitkamp - Worthington Superintendent

Hear Heitkamp talk more about this letter by visiting PODCASTS | Radio Works (click on 592).