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has expanded from $675 million in 2010 to more than $2.3 billion today, but distributions have not kept pace because of outdated constitutional restrictions.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 at www.mnpsfamendment.org.
Plan on getting out of the house and getting to know the people your kids always talk about. Putting a face with a name is always a good feeling and our Bamber family is full of happy faces. See you tomorrow!
If you’d like to help out, check your email for a sign-up link!
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.
Thank you to our Bamber tech whiz, Phil Matheson, happy IT Professionals Day!! We may not always love technology but we always love you, Phil!
Now Mayo Spartans, strong in fight.
From little paws to Spartan pride--Our Beaver roots are still inside!
Wear your Bamber or Mayo spirit wear this Friday to support our Bamber alumni while they celebrate Homecoming!
Bonus points for kids who wear their parent's or even grandparent's OG Mayo or Bamber gear!!!
Bamber Valley community - 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. You can order a tee for everyday comfort or a cozy crewneck for the cooler days ahead. Shop here: https://rps26bambervalley.itemorder.com/shop/home/. Orders are open through Friday, September 18, and will be available for pick up at your school at the end of October.
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.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/bamber-valley-elementary-ptos-silent-auction
We love our volunteers at Bamber Valley! Be sure to sign up now so you'll be ready to go when school starts, processing can take at least two weeks.
RPS encourages parents, guardians, grandparents, and community members to share their time, talents, and knowledge with our students. Volunteers enrich the educational programs and strengthen our school relationships with families, businesses, and the community as a whole. - RPS Volunteers in Education
Follow the link to become a volunteer:
https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/vie
