One would pay math and science teachers who fill areas of need another $5,000. The other would encourage school districts to extend their school years as a way to pay teachers more.

The bills, both sponsored by Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, now head to the Senate floor.

Of the committee members, only Sen. Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake City, voted against SB35, which would pay math and science teachers more. The vote came after Vik Arnold, with the Utah Education Association, spoke against such differentiated pay.

"When we look at individuals thinking of going into business at $70,000 or $80,000, I guess I wonder if the $5,000 incentive is going to be effective," Arnold said. He said the Legislature would be better off dealing with the shortage in other ways, such as through loan forgiveness for teachers or tuition grants.

Sen. Greg Bell, R-Fruit Heights, said it's time educators accept such differentiated pay the same way industry does by paying people based on ability and demand.

"This is going to have an impact," Bell said. "There's just no doubt about it."

Stephenson said his goal is to continue increasing pay for math and science teachers each year to attract more candidates. Utah schools were 173 teachers short, including about 20 math and science teachers, on the first day of school this year, according to a recent report by University of Utah professor David Sperry.

The committee unanimously passed the second bill, SB41, to pay teachers more by extending the school year. Under the legislation, school districts would come up with plans to stagger students throughout the year, so they would need fewer teachers and would make better use of existing buildings. They would use the money they would save to pay teachers 40 percent more. The state would award money to districts of different sizes with the best plans.