The Jordan School District could avoid some layoffs and class size increases if a bill that gained committee approval Tuesday morning passes.

HB295 would allow any district to temporarily use some of the money now set aside for building needs for day-to-day needs instead. The Jordan School Board recently decided to cut 500 jobs, including 250 teaching positions, and raise class sizes to deal with a projected $30 million shortfall next school year.

"In our district and, I believe, others, it could preclude some teacher layoffs," said Jordan Superintendent Barry Newbold of the bill. "It could preclude some class size increases. This added flexibility and opportunity to re-prioritize some of the funds that are available during these difficult economic times would be very helpful to us."

If the bill were to pass, Jordan could potentially move anywhere from about $5 million to $10 million to its general fund, though the board would make the ultimate decision, said Steve Dunham, district spokesman.

Newbold said Tuesday it would be "premature" to say exactly how many jobs could be saved or how exactly the bill might affect class sizes if it were to pass. But he said the bill would "significantly reduce" cuts the district is facing.

Ron Wolff, Morgan County School District superintendent, said his district would likely use the money to hire temporary teachers to help reduce class sizes. He said the Utah School Boards Association and Utah School Superintendents Association support the bill.

"This bill gives us flexibility to deal with a lot of things," Wolff said. "For us to be able to tap into that money is significant."

The bill would only allow districts to use capital outlay levy funds for general fund needs for two years, and it would prohibit using money that was already committed to debt service or bond payments. Bill sponsor Rep. Kenneth Sumsion, R-American Fork, said lawmakers could revisit the issue at the end of those two years. Also, school boards would have to notify the public if they planned to use building funds for general fund needs.

"Certainly, this will not resolve the issues in the Jordan School District," Sumsion said. "I think this gives them a little more time and flexibility to address those issues."

Some lawmakers questioned whether the bill would keep districts from tough choices to operate more efficiently in these tight times.

"Is this a short-term solution for a long-term problem that needs to be resolved in the districts?" asked Rep. Merlynn Newbold, R-South Jordan. "Is it going to prevent them from making the adjustments they need to in their budgets?"

Rep. Don Ipson, R-St. George, worried that once districts take money from building funds, it's going to be difficult to replace those funds in the future.

But ultimately, the committee approved the bill with no dissenting votes.

"I prefer to look at this as a bridge, not a Band-Aid," said Rep. Johnny Anderson, R-Taylorsville.

The bill moves to the House floor.