TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The chairwoman of the Kansas Democratic Party says proposed cuts in education funding being considered by the Republican-controlled Legislature will devastate public schools.

The Senate has approved a cut of $226 per student in base state aid to schools, which is now $4,012. The House has approved a per-student cut of $250.

Democratic chairwoman Joan Wagnon said Thursday the cuts would mean teacher layoffs and bigger classes in the state’s 289 school districts. She says districts will raise fees for parents, and rural schools will be in danger.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Marc Rhoades wasn’t surprised by Wagnon’s criticism, but he says the budget must be balanced.

Wagnon served eight years as revenue secretary under Democratic Govs. Kathleen Sebelius and Mark Parkinson. She left when Republican Gov. Sam Brownback took office in January.