School Trusts

Every state at one time had a grant of land or a fund held in a trust for public education. The trusts evolved over time until under the survey system established in the General Land Ordinance of 1785 the section 16 in each township was set aside for schools. States accepted the grants along with the role of trustee as they entered the Union. Initially, each state received one square mile in each thirty-six square mile township. As western states were added, the grants expanded to two sections per township. When Utah, Arizona and New Mexico entered the union they were granted four sections per township.

Forty-five million acres and $32 billion dollars are still held in trust for the support of public schools.