2025 Session Last amended: 2024 session

§ 127A.51 — Statewide Average Revenue

Plain-Language Summary

This section requires the commissioner to calculate and publish statewide average school revenue and the spread between the highest and lowest revenue districts each year. If the gap between the top and bottom districts grows, the commissioner must recommend options to the legislature to reduce the disparity in school funding.

127A.51 STATEWIDE AVERAGE REVENUE.

(a) By December 1 of each year the commissioner must estimate the statewide average adjusted general revenue per adjusted pupil unit and the disparity in adjusted general revenue among pupils and districts by computing the ratio of the 95th percentile to the fifth percentile of adjusted general revenue. The commissioner must provide that information to all districts.

(b) If the disparity in adjusted general revenue as measured by the ratio of the 95th percentile to the fifth percentile increases in any year, the commissioner shall recommend to the legislature options for change in the general education formula that will limit the disparity in adjusted general revenue to no more than the disparity for the previous school year. The commissioner must submit the recommended options to the education committees of the legislature by February 1.

(c) For purposes of this section and section 126C.10, adjusted general revenue means the sum of basic revenue under section 126C.10, subdivision 2; referendum revenue under section 126C.17; local optional revenue under section 126C.10, subdivision 2e; and equity revenue under section 126C.10, subdivision 24.

History:

1987 c 398 art 1 s 24; 1988 c 486 s 69; 1991 c 265 art 1 s 26; 1998 c 397 art 7 s 158,164; art 11 s 3; 1998 c 398 art 1 s 38; 1999 c 241 art 1 s 53; 2000 c 489 art 2 s 26; 1Sp2001 c 6 art 1 s 41; 2013 c 116 art 1 s 56; 2016 c 189 art 27 s 15; 2024 c 115 art 1 s 14

History: History: 1987 c 398 art 1 s 24; 1988 c 486 s 69; 1991 c 265 art 1 s 26; 1998 c 397 art 7 s 158,164; art 11 s 3; 1998 c 398 art 1 s 38; 1999 c 241 art 1 s 53; 2000 c 489 art 2 s 26; 1Sp2001 c 6 art 1 s 41; 2013 c 116 art 1 s 56; 2016 c 189 art 27 s 15; 2024 c 115 art 1 s 14

Practical Notes

This section is a tool for monitoring equity in school funding across Minnesota. If rich and poor districts are getting further apart in resources, the commissioner must alert the legislature and suggest ways to close the gap. This is part of Minnesota’s ongoing effort to equalize educational opportunity.

Source: Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes