A preliminary education budget bill that would lower per pupil spending by about 3.5 percent has passed both houses of the legislature.

The bill, HB1, also includes about 12 to 15 percent less total education funding than this school year, but senators passed the bill Friday amid reassurances that it's just a starting point. Lawmakers said they're optimistic the final budget will include significantly more money.

"It's not the final education budget but we have to have a place to begin, and it's really important we have this in place," said Sen. Karen Morgan, D-Salt Lake City.

Sen. Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake City, was the only senator to vote against it.

"I think cutting the [per pupil spending] and not allowing for enrollment growth going forward is too challenging for our teachers and educators even as a base budget," he said.

Lawmakers will know more about what the final education budget for next school year might look like when updated budget numbers come out later this month.

Lisa Schencker