(AP) — A legislative committee has begun to look at ways to improve Nebraska’s school funding formula.

Members of the Education Committee met on Wednesday to begin their work on the interim study, which could lead to changes in the way state aid to schools is distributed.

The formula seeks to fill the gap between school district needs and what each can generate locally through property taxes. State funding for schools has led to conflicts in recent years between many smaller and larger school districts.

Sen. Kate Sullivan of Cedar Rapids, the committee chairwoman, has said the study will explore ways to make funding more stable and predictable for school districts. Lawmakers also plan to work in tandem with members of a committee that is studying Nebraska’s tax system.