Topeka ? A Republican leader took issue Wednesday with Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ criticism of GOP-led efforts to improve public education.

During an interview Monday with The Associated Press, Sebelius said legislators were ignoring public education by not giving serious consideration to the issue now or planning to do so during the upcoming legislative session.

Not true, Senate President Dave Kerr said.

“We have acted with due diligence, and plan to identify responsible and realistic solutions to the challenges facing K-12 education,” Kerr, R-Hutchinson, said.

He pointed to the creation this fall of a 21-member special legislative committee on school finance. The group is reviewing the current funding formula — subject of state and federal lawsuits — and considering whether to propose improvements or wholesale changes. A final report is due Dec. 31, 2004.

“I believe the governor should have recognized and appreciated this good faith effort to address this important issue,” Kerr said.

Sebelius said Wednesday she was encouraged by Kerr’s comments that legislators would give education its due.

“I look forward to seeing a proposal on school finance from the Legislature in 2004,” Sebelius said. “The children of Kansas and our economy depend on us to come up with real solutions. I think it’s great they have decided to present a proposal in 2004.”

However, many legislators have said they will decide nothing about school finance pending the outcome of the state lawsuit. Final arguments in Shawnee County District Court are scheduled Nov. 25, with a ruling expected before the Jan. 12 start of the legislative session. An appeal is expected, regardless of the outcome.