TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Property taxes are expected to increase this year for patrons of most Kansas school districts.

The projected increases come as the Kansas Supreme Court considers whether public schools are underfunded.

Homeowners in most of the state’s districts saw their bills for supporting schools shrink last school year after an influx of court-ordered aid to schools. The average drop in property taxes among 286 school districts was 2 mills. This year, preliminary data from the Kansas State Department of Education indicates the average rate is expected to rise by 1.8 mills.

Some superintendents say a controversial change in the state’s financing of K-12 education is the reason. Other school leaders in western Kansas say the oil and gas industry is a key factor.

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Associated Press information from: The Topeka Capital-Journal