The Board of University and School Lands, headquartered in Bismarck, unveiled a historic increase in trust distributions for the upcoming 2027‑2029 biennium on Monday. Beneficiaries will receive an average 23% boost compared with the previous biennium, reflecting strong performance across the Board’s extensive land and investment portfolio.
Key figures and allocations
The Board manages over 700,000 surface acres, 2.6 million mineral acres, and 13 permanent trusts. Revenue streams include agricultural leases, mineral royalties, and other land uses. For the next biennium, the Board will distribute funds to 14 schools, centers and organizations.
North Dakota State University (NDSU) tops the list, slated to receive more than $10.6 million. The University of North Dakota (UND) will be allocated $8.38 million, while both Dickinson State University and Minot State University are each set to receive $494,000.
Growth drivers
Growth factors include $2.4 billion in oil and gas royalties, agricultural rents, and a $9.5 billion investment portfolio. The majority of the portfolio is held in the Common Schools Trust Fund (CSTF), valued at $9.3 billion. The CSTF distribution for the 2027‑2029 biennium will total $722 million, a 23.5% increase over the $585 million distributed in the current biennium, and will be directed toward K‑12 public education.
Impact on North Dakota families
These increased distributions support the state’s commitment to high‑quality education for both higher‑learning institutions and K‑12 schools. By channeling additional resources into university programs and public schools, the Board aims to strengthen the state’s educational pipeline, promote workforce development, and uphold the tradition of using public lands to benefit North Dakota families.
Administration response
Board Chair John Doe praised the results, stating, “Our stewardship of North Dakota’s land and mineral assets continues to deliver tangible benefits to our students and taxpayers. This historic increase reflects prudent management and the enduring value of our common‑school trust.” The administration emphasized that the growth aligns with the state’s long‑term fiscal strategy and supports the educational mission set forth by the Constitution.
Looking ahead
Stakeholders anticipate that the increased funding will enable universities to expand research initiatives, improve facilities, and offer more scholarships. K‑12 districts are expected to use the additional CSTF funds to enhance curricula, upgrade technology, and address staffing needs.
Overall, the Board’s announcement underscores the importance of responsible land and resource management in sustaining North Dakota’s educational excellence for years to come.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
