If a bill that gained committee approval Monday becomes law, those low numbers could become a reality. After years of pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into reducing class sizes with little success, legislators are trying something new. HB194 would give schools another $26 million to reduce class sizes in grades K-3 - but with a catch.

Schools that accepted the money but didn't lower class sizes to certain levels would have to give the money back to the state. And schools that already have low class sizes wouldn't be eligible to apply. The bill follows a recent legislative audit that showed $460 million in class size reduction money spent over the past seven years has merely maintained but not lowered Utah class sizes. The money wasn't enough to keep up with enrollment growth, the audit found.

The audit also found that though districts were likely using the money correctly, most didn't specifically track where the dollars went.

A bill by Rep. Karen Morgan, D-Cottonwood Heights, would both add more money to the pot and demand results.

"Overcrowded classrooms are a very serious issue, especially along the Wasatch front," Morgan said. "[If] those classes aren't lowered, then they're accountable to return the money."

The Utah Parent Teacher Association and Utah Education Association praised the bill, citing the importance of small classes. Despite their support, the bill narrowly passed the House Education Committee by 8-5 Monday. Several legislators worried about putting more money toward what has been, so far, a somewhat unsuccessful effort.

"How is this going to suddenly miraculously, after a decade of funding this . . . how is this going to change it?" Rep. Sylvia Andersen, R-Sandy, asked.

Rep. Stephen Urquhart, R-St. George, said if school districts want to reduce class sizes they should do it with money they're already getting from the state.

Others hailed the bill as a way to finally turn Utah class sizes around. "I think this is the only way we're ever going to see any improvement," said Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay.

The bill now moves to the House floor.

The bill would require schools that accept K-3 class size reduction incentive money to lower their class sizes to the following average levels or pay back the money:

* Kindergarten: 18 students, with no class exceeding 20;

* First grade: 20 students, with no class exceeding 22;

* Second grade: 22 students, with no class exceeding 24;

* Third grade: 22 students, with no class exceeding 24.