Kansas school districts have a long tradition of going to court over funding for public education when their efforts fail in the Statehouse.

Gov. Sam Brownback says he wants that to change and is encouraging legislators and superintendents from the state’s 286 school districts to open discussions toward ending such litigation.

The Republican governor says recent talks among lawmakers and higher education leaders have been productive in explaining the mission of colleges and universities and how they spend state money.

The Kansas Supreme Court is expected to rule early next year in a 2010 lawsuit by school districts claiming the state is underfunding elementary and secondary education. The court’s decision will likely dominate debate during the legislative session.