Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today blasted a school finance plan that some Republican leaders are calling the last and best chance for an increase for schools this session.

“The latest proposal by legislative Republican leaders is insufficient, irresponsible and will likely invite the court to aggressively enter our school debate,” Sebelius said.

The $66 million proposal would be funded by delaying payments to the state pension system and dipping into cash reserves.

The measure also would allow 16 wealthier school districts, such as Lawrence, to raise local taxes to further supplement school funding.

Sebelius said the proposal falls short of what schools need, the funding method will produce a deficit in the budget, and the proposal giving wealthy school districts the opportunity to raise taxes ignores most schools in the state.

She also criticized a part of the bill that attempts to define curiculum in public schools.

“This is the 86th day of the 2004 Session, and the very important work of responsible school funding that ensures that quality schools will continue to be the foundation of the Kansas economy remains to be done. Hopefully it will happen soon, but not with this proposal,” she said.

Funding the $2.6 billion public school system has been the major stumbling block of the session. Sebelius, her fellow Democrats and some moderate Republicans have favored tax increases for schools.

Meanwhile, a state court has declared the method of funding Kansas schools unconstitutional because it shortchanges students, especially minorities.