TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Legislators are beginning to hear from the public about Gov. Sam Brownback’s plan to revamp the way Kansas funds public schools.

The Senate Education Committee held the first of several days of hearings on Monday into the Republican governor’s proposal, which includes changes in the way technical and vocational education courses are taught, as well as a new system for evaluating teachers.

Brownback outlined his proposal during his State of the State address in January. The governor wants to change the funding formula to allow local districts more flexibility in how they raise and spend money.

Members of the House Education Committee are also hearing testimony on parts of the plan this week. Legislators are hoping to have bills debated in the House and Senate by the end of February.