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OklahomaThe Organic Act of 1890 reserved sections 16 and 36 (one-square mile parcels) in each 36 square mile township in the Oklahoma Territory in a trust for the benefit of public schools. The territory covered what is now the western half of the state of Oklahoma. The eastern portion was Indian Territory where the Federal Government did not hold title to the land. Instead of granting lands in the eastern area, the trust was compensated with a five million dollar grant. Oklahoma's State Constitution included a provision for federal reimbursement of lost lands. The original grant totaled over three million acres and the trust still retains 366,977 surface acres and 1.1 million mineral acres. The permanent trust fund, where non-renewable resource income is deposited, retains a balance of $950 million (FY 2006). In Oklahoma, investment of the fund provides the largest annual increase to the trust. They are also leaders in revenue generation from minerals. Surface revenue also contributes to the fund. The Commissioners of the Land Office administer the trust with direction from the State of Oklahoma Constitution that states, the principal shall be deemed a trust fund held by the State, and shall ever remain inviolate. It may be increased, but shall never be diminished. Oklahoma distributed nearly $37 million to schools in FY 2006. Beneficiaries in Oklahoma have acted as an important check and balance to political pressure sometimes exerted on the Commissioners. The Oklahoma Education Association questioned a grazing fee decision in Oklahoma vs. Neigh that has become an important precedent for other western states ensuring that the trust receive fair market value for trust resources. The Oklahoma PTA has adopted a position on School Trust Lands. Research Links
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