Topeka ? Kansas has delayed some of its monthly aid payments to public schools for the sixth consecutive month.

Budget Director Duane Goossen confirmed Monday that half of the payments due to the state’s 293 school districts Thursday have been postponed.

Goossen said he expects the remaining $71 million to be paid later this month.

Since November, the state’s financial problems have created cash crunches at the beginning of each month, when school payments are due.

But the budget director also says he expects the state to make all of its May payments to schools on time.

The state is still behind on a quarterly payment toward government employees’ pensions due on Jan. 15. The state still owes $55 million of the $70 million due.