As with almost every issue they tackle, Kansas State Board of Education members are divided over the school finance plan.

“It is not unanimous that the bill is the right bill and that the court supervision should be dismissed,” Sue Gamble, a moderate Republican board member, said Thursday.

Her comments – and those of other members – came after the board met Wednesday with their attorney to discuss the school finance law, a three-year, $468 million plan for Kansas schools.

“My understanding is that (the attorney) is going to make the case that indeed this particular funding proposal should be accepted,” said Board Chairman Steve Abrams.

The board will give its input, but the Kansas Supreme Court will decide whether the plan is constitutional.

The plan, signed into law by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius last week, falls short of a Legislative Division of Post Audit study that called for a $400 million increase for next year. The current plan would pump an additional $194.5 million next year.

Janet Waugh, a Democrat and state board member, said she applauded the Legislature’s work, but said it’s not done yet.

She said the Legislature did not follow the post audit and did not fully meet the obligations for at-risk students.

“The Legislature made a good first step,” she said. “It was not the final step.”

Gamble said that the court needs to maintain its supervision.

“The bill is interim and the Supreme Court for that reason needs to stay involved,” she said.

Kathy Martin, a conservative board member, said she thinks the Legislature did a great job and it’s time to move on.

“I hope they say, ‘This looks great to us,'” Martin said. “Let’s let educators get back to the business of education.”