Topeka ? Several organizations have joined forces in a petition drive that calls for increased school funding and opposition to Gov. Sam Brownback’s proposed school finance overhaul.

“The governor’s proposal before the Legislature is inadequate and threatens the state’s long tradition of giving every child a high-quality public education,” the groups said.

The American Federation of Teachers-Kansas, Kansas Families for Education, and Kansans United in Voice & Spirit are circulating a petition that tells Brownback and the Legislature to help public schools.

The monthlong petition drive is being called Kansas Madness in March. Citizens can sign the petition at www.ksmadness.com.

Brownback has proposed a school finance overhaul that would eliminate state limits on local property taxes for education and junk a system of extra funding to educate children with specific needs. Brownback has said his proposal will give locals more say in education funding. Critics say it will create wider disparities between wealthy and poor districts.