Topeka ? A bevy of school consolidation measures have been introduced in the House, as legislators begin to debate whether Kansas can afford 303 school districts and continue offering quality education.

However, senators say the process — whatever form it takes — should not be rushed this session.

The latest bill, introduced Monday, would require a study of creating as few as 40 regional education districts. The bill incorporates a proposal presented last week by three superintendents to the House and Senate Education committees.

As outlined, the proposal could save as much as $480 million among districts, the superintendents said.

Also on Monday, members of a House budget subcommittee began reviewing education spending for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has proposed leaving state aid to districts unchanged at $2.3 billion. The subcommittee was to continue deliberations today.

The consolidation bill calls for the State Board of Education to study the feasibility of reducing administrative and support staff within districts. The study also would examine facilities, curriculum and governance for the new districts.

Sponsors include Rep. Bill Mason, R-El Dorado, who has also introduced a measure to create 105 districts — one per county — and a third bill that revives the state’s consolidation formula used until 1984, seeking districts with 200 square miles and at least 400 students.

Mason has advocated fewer school districts since 1996, when he introduced his first proposal and received thousands of telephone calls and several death threats. This year, Mason has not heard complaints.

Mason’s proposals do not advocate putting any financial savings back into education immediately, postponing that decision. His focus, he said, was on improving the quality of education and eliminating inefficiencies.

“Lost in all of this is the kids. We talk about the dollars, but we don’t talk about a better education for the kids,” Mason said. “That has to be our highest priority.”

He said local school officials have privately expressed interest in consolidation but know that they are unable push the idea politically.

“The state does play a role,” Mason said. “Everyone is starting to realize that there is a benefit, and if we don’t, that we have our heads in the sand.”

Senate Education Committee Chairman Dwayne Umbarger said he did not expect his committee to introduce any consolidation bills this session. He said while he would consider any proposals approved by the House, he would prefer to send the topic to the Legislative Education Planning Committee for study after the session.

“I don’t anticipate that any significant legislation is going to come out of this session,” said Umbarger, R-Thayer.