Lately, many local politicians, school boards and lobbyists have been relentlessly hawking the ballot amendment for the Permanent School Trust Fund. Here’s some needed perspective:
Minnesota public schools spent approximately $21,100 per student in total from all local, state, and federal funding sources, in the ‹23–24 school year. The Permanent School Fund Amendment, which I support passing, would raise the fund’s per-student distribution from $68 to $101 dollars. Kind of nice, but very insignificant against the $21,100. Keep in mind that in the ‘26-’27 school budget of $25 billion, the trust fund contribution would be $86 million under amendment calculations. In my opinion, we’re running out of gimmicks and distractions when it comes to education, and some of these players need to get serious. I hope that doesn’t mean a 3-day school week...
Lee Peterson
Greenwood Township