Report Says Minnesota School Aid Remains Below 2003 Level

A new analysis says inflation-adjusted state funding for Minnesota schools remains below levels recorded more than two decades ago.

North Star Policy Action reports districts received nearly 9 percent less state aid per student in 2025 than in 2003. The organization says funding gains approved by lawmakers in 2023 narrowed the gap but did not eliminate it.

The report also says inflation-adjusted school property-tax funding has risen 163 percent since 2003. Nearly nine out of ten districts are projected to receive less state aid per student in 2027 than in 2025.

The analysis uses Minnesota Department of Education data. North Star Policy Action has released an online dashboard showing funding trends for individual districts. Its methodology adjusts funding figures for inflation.