Advocates for School Trust Lands

07/15/2026

"I recognize the right and duty of this generation to develop and use the natural resources of our land; but I do not recognize the right to waste them, or to rob, by wasteful use, the generations that come after us."

I had the privilege last night to visit the brand new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora North Dakota and hear from its director. What an inspiring place.

05/24/2026

It's just Five Questions: https://www.schooltrustlands.org/astl-voices/utah-bookcliffs

When Utah entered the Union in 1896, it accepted a permanent, sacred compact. Under the Utah Enabling Act, millions of acres of land were granted to the state to be held in trust for one exclusive purpose: supporting the financial future of public school children. This trust is governed by the highe

05/01/2026

Is Your State's School TRUST Under Protected?

When it comes to funding public education, there is a "Sacred Compact" that every state must honor. But many educational leaders aren't aware of how these trust lands are being managed—or mismanaged.

We just wrapped an incredible session with parent educational leaders from across the country, diving into:
✅ How trust lands generate revenue for your classrooms.
✅ Why parent and teacher voices are the ultimate "guardians" of these funds.
✅ The specific steps needed to move a state toward better management.

We want to bring this expertise to your organization.
Advocates for School Trust Lands is offering tailored video presentations specifically for educational associations. Get the facts, ask the hard questions, and speak directly with leading experts on this unique legal and financial system.

Don't leave your school's funding to chance. Contact ASTL today to schedule a free video call and a presentation tailored to your group's specific needs.

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04/22/2026

04/09/2026

Thanks, Russ Pfeiffer-Hoyt, Mount Baker School District president, for standing up for just like our intended. Learn "How Trusts Make Serious $$ from Land" from Russ at the Advocates for School Trust Lands Conference in June 25-26. Register at SchoolTrustLands.ORG. https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/04/06/rural-washington-schools-struggle-with-drop-in-logging-dollars/

There's rising tension around how the state is managing its public forests at a time when Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove has limited logging of some older tracts of trees. In the backdrop is a debate about whether Washington’s K-12 schools should depend heavily — or at all — on money that ...

04/01/2026

School Trust Lands: A Founding Vision

03/31/2026

🔦 Utah PTA Celebrates Local Leaders and Events 🔦
We want to shine a spotlight on the amazing people and events that make PTA strong across Utah. Whether it’s a volunteer who goes above and beyond, or a PTA event that brought your school community together, we’d love to feature your story. Submit your nomination and help us inspire others with the power of PTA!
https://www.utahpta.org/local-leader-spotlight

Congratulations to Nicole Williams: Roy Elementary PTA

03/24/2026

Every Nebraska farmer knows you don't eat your seed corn to pay this month's bills. If you do, you won't have a harvest next year.

Right now, the Unicameral is considering LB1072, a bill that raids $40 million from the Permanent School Fund. This isn't just "spare change"—it’s the "seed corn" of our children's education. This fund was promised to our schools at Statehood to provide for students forever.

Sweeping these funds for a one-time budget fix is a betrayal of that 159-year promise. It creates a "tax on the future" for every student who will ever enter a Nebraska classroom.



🚨 Calling all educators and concerned parents: TAKE ACTION! The Final Reading is happening NOW. Call your Senator today. Tell them: DON'T EAT THE SEED CORN! Oppose LB1072

Find out more at https://www.schooltrustlands.org/astl-voices/the-seed-corn-crisis

Nebraska State Education Association, Nebraska Association of School Boards, Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO), Nebraska PTA,

03/20/2026

Did you know that School Trust Lands deliver $5 billion annually for public schools?

Join us at the Utah State Capitol this June for a deep dive into the founding vision that powers our classrooms. Whether you are a policymaker, educator, or community advocate, this conference will equip you with the knowledge to protect and maximize revenue for the next generation of students.

03/19/2026

Sustainable forest management is about more than just trees—it’s about the future of our students.

Check out this excellent StoryMap from the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands, which showcases the vital role school trust lands play in the Peace Garden State. By actively managing timber resources, North Dakota is protecting forest health while generating essential revenue for K-12 education.

At ASTL, we love seeing our members use innovative storytelling to show how 'School Trust Lands' support public schools.

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/2ca4ef2cb9044a4e872c6bec69b1ed2e

Montana Celebrates 100 Years of State Forests Supporting Schools