Did you know that every public school student in Minnesota is part of a trust fund? Minnesota owns state public lands that generate revenue from timber, mining, and land leases. That money is placed into a protected investment trust dedicated strictly to supporting public school districts across the state. Due to investment growth, the fund has expanded from $675 million in 2010 to more than $2.3 billion today, but distributions have not kept pace because of outdated constitutional restrictions. This November, Minnesota voters can vote to increase the fund.
What does this ballot question change?
Sends more money to classrooms: Current constitutional rules limit payouts primarily to interest and dividends, restricting how much money reaches schools. The amendment modernizes the formula to increase the annual distribution from 2-2.5% to 4.5% of the fund's total value, significantly increasing payments to all Minnesota public schools.
Zero tax increase: It does not raise property, income, or sales taxes. It uses money already sitting in an existing investment fund.
Bipartisan agreement: The update was unanimously recommended by a nonpartisan task force and received strong bipartisan support in both the Minnesota House and Senate.
Under Minnesota law, a constitutional amendment must receive approval from a majority of all voters. Skipping the question has the exact same mathematical impact as actively voting against it. To support the amendment, you must vote "YES."Leaving the question blank counts as a "NO" vote. You can learn more about this atwww.mnpsfamendment.org.
1 day ago, Rochester Public Schools
FREE upcoming Dermatology Clinic! Get help with: acne, skin infections/rashes, wound care, and free skincare products. Details: Saturday, October 3, 12-3pm, Christ United Methodist Church, Rochester, MN
1 day ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
Bryan Girolami, local photographer, donated his time and photography services to our students! 36 RALC students were able to get free senior photos. (https://photographybybryangirolami.mypixieset.com/)
2 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
During our Student-Centered Learning Wednesdays, students can choose from a number of different enrichment opportunities. This group is working on their mini-golfing skills each week at Blue Lagoon Mini Golf!
4 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
Reminder: there is no school on Wednesday, September 23. RPS staff will participate in a Curriculum and Development (CAD) Day to plan instruction and engage in professional development. We will see students back in school on Thursday, September 24.
4 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Please help share! As the weather is turning cold, the Rochester ALC Resource is in need of: * Teen-friendly, gently worn cold weather clothing (joggers, leggings, hoodies, long-sleeved shirts) * Winter hats, mittens, and gloves
If you're able to donate, please drop items off to the main office (9am-3:30pm), when school is in session. Location: Rochester ALC, 37 Woodlake Dr SE
5 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
In Night School, Art class students participate in "Technique Tuesdays," where they sample practicing skills in a different medium each week. Students recently worked on graphite and created still life drawings.
7 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
WSU senior nursing students are partnering with the RALC on their classroom education hours. This week, they designed lessons around healthy sleep habits and stress coping strategies.
10 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
Thank you to Rochester Motor Cars for hosting a job shadow experience for our students! They learned about the different departments, including sales, painting, maintenance, and auto body repair.
11 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
RALC Staff wore red to show support and gratitude for service members serving far from home.
12 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
The RALC Garden Club launched this week! Students explored the community garden and helped with harvesting.
16 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
The school year is in full swing, and so is your chance to grab some RPS gear! Our Apparel Shop is open through Friday, September 18, 2026, and items will be available for pick up at your school at the end of October. Shop here: https://rps26ralc.itemorder.com/shop/home/
16 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
FREE event for teens! Saturday, September 12, 12-3pm, at Skyline Raceway. Enjoy go-karting, mini golf, food trucks, and more! This is a substance and vape free event BY teens FOR teens.
17 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
Ms. Goorman and her Global Foods class made Pad Thai this week! Looks delicious!
22 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
Reminder: there is no school on Friday, September 4, for all schools except Longfellow Elementary, which will have a regular school day. Additionally, there will be no school, and RPS offices and buildings will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
23 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
RALC students can get their flu vaccine at school on Tuesday, September 22. Parents/Caregivers - please register your student by Thursday, September 9. Here's the link: https://www.semnic.org/schoolfluclinics-olmsted.html
24 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
Thank you to all of the students, staff, families, and community partners who left their mark on our community mural! It's officially up! This was a product of a partnership between the RALC and University of Minnesota-Rochester. A special shout out to Miri Villiard, multidisciplinary artist based in the cities, who helped guide the project.
29 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
A special shout out to the Rochester Dance Company for hosting an August Food Drive for the RALC! 83 dancers/families collected 1200+ items for our food pantry. Thank you! Learn more about RDC and their December "Nutcracker" production here: https://www.rochesterdancecompany.org/
about 1 month ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
We LOVED meeting our 9th graders today! We started and ended the day with a circle. At the RALC, we practice weekly circles during advisory, where everyone has an opportunity to share their voice.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
Thank you to United Way and Western Digital for their back-to-school supplies donation! This helps our staff and students start the year strong.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
