TOPEKA (AP) -- Kansas House members rejected portions of a bill that would have reduced state aid for some small school districts.

The chamber was debating a proposal Tuesday that would have pushed six districts with enrollments of fewer than 200 students and fewer than 200 square miles to consolidate.

Under the bill, those smaller districts would have had state aid reduced to the same level as those with 200 students. However, that provision was stripped from the bill on a 75-39 vote.

The bill contained other provisions that would allow three or more districts to discuss voluntary consolidation and form two districts. Those provisions advanced to a final vote, expected Wednesday.

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School consolidation is HB 2704.

On the Net:

Kansas Legislature: http://www.kslegislature.org