Lawmakers are divided over proposed changes to Nebraska’s school-funding formula, with rural senators expressing support for the measure and many urban lawmakers saying they oppose it.

Sen. Kate Sullivan, chairwoman of the Education Committee, said Monday that the bill was an attempt to compromise on the formula, which is often controversial.

Urban lawmakers argue that more state dollars should flow to districts with increasing student enrollments, higher property-tax levies and less spending per student.

Rural lawmakers say their education costs are higher because they have to offer better salaries to attract quality teachers. They also argue that students have to travel greater distances to reach schools.

State aid is intended to fill the gap between schools’ needs and what they can collect through local taxes.