TOPEKA — Legislative leaders on Thursday formally denied a claim by school districts that allege the Legislature has shirked its duty in funding schools.

The decision by the Legislative Coordinating Council, made after a closed-door session, was essentially a procedural move in the brewing school finance litigation, according to council members.

Schools for Fair Funding, which represents more than 70 school districts, claims that the state has failed to provide the school funding promised under a Kansas Supreme Court ruling.

House Speaker Mike O’Neal, R-Hutchinson, said the action by the council, which is composed of Republican and Democratic legislative leaders, was simply a formality required by law. Schools for Fair Funding is expected to file its lawsuit within the month.