Topeka ? Gov. Sam Brownback says a high school’s purchase of a new grand piano illustrates that Kansas’ formula for funding its public schools is flawed.

The Republican governor on Thursday mentioned the new piano at Sumner Academy in Kansas City, Kansas, in announcing plans to cut $28 million in aid to public schools from the current budget.

The local school board purchased the piano last month for more than $47,000. The Kansas City district says it replaced an aging instrument to help students pursuing careers in music and preparing to audition for scholarships.

Brownback said in a statement that the money should have been used to hire another teacher and reduce class sizes.

The district noted it used capital outlay funds, which by law can’t be spent on salaries.

Related story

• Kansas governor announces cuts to public schools, higher ed