Lawrence school board members Wednesday said they were intrigued about the possibility of raising millions of dollars for public schools with a sales tax.

But they’re skeptical the sales tax for education passed Tuesday by Johnson County voters is legal.

“I’m willing to let Johnson County lead the charge through the courts,” said Jack Davidson of the Lawrence school board. “I’m not opposed to it, if it’s legal.”

“I’m interested in details of the legal challenge,” said Board President Scott Morgan, an attorney. “We and a lot of other districts will be watching it.”

Austin Turney, board vice president, said he would support a sales-tax initiative for public schools.

“I’m willing to invest money in education,” he said.

He doubted such a measure would draw as much support in Douglas County as it did in Johnson County. It won voter approval Tuesday, 61 percent to 39 percent.

Supt. Randy Weseman estimated that Johnson County voters essentially added $350 a year to the amount the six districts had to spend on educating children.

“That’s almost 50 percent more than what (increases) we’ve received from the state in 10 years,” he said.

The Kansas school finance formula provides districts with $3,840 per student in state aid.

Board member Sue Morgan said Johnson County’s sales tax for schools placed the Lawrence district at a competitive disadvantage in recruiting the best teachers and offering quality programs and services.

“We have an obligation to take care of kids. This throws us backward.”