Since Oregon became a state in 1859, a little-known fund - the Common School Fund - has provided hundreds of millions of dollars for Oregon public schools.

The Department of State Lands (DSL) manages lands to generate revenue for the fund, and all unclaimed property the department receives is held in the Common School Fund until the owner is located.

Twice a year, DSL sends earnings from the fund to the Department of Education for distribution to the state's 197 school districts. The State Treasurer, a member of the Land Board, and the Oregon Investment Council manage the investments.