Key Republican legislators say they’re close to an agreement with Kansas school districts on a plan aimed at satisfying a court mandate to help poor schools.

Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Ty Masterson said Wednesday that he’s optimistic about a deal on a $38 million proposal.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Ron Ryckman Jr. said the plan is likely to shift some existing education dollars to poor districts to provide extra aid.

They said they’ve been negotiating with multiple districts.

The Legislature convenes Thursday for a special session to address a state Supreme Court ruling last month that the state’s school finance system remains unfair to poor school districts.

The justices warned that schools might not be able to reopen after June 30 if lawmakers don’t make more changes.