The Utah State Board of Education approved rules Friday that will set into motion the Legislature's plans to give $1,000 bonuses to new teachers next school year, $200 a day for up to three days of additional work to special educators, and $20 million to school districts and charter schools to use for performance pay for one year.

The board still has to give final approval to the rules but will start distributing them so school districts can get to work. School districts and charter schools that want a piece of the $20 million must create and submit perfor-mance-pay plans to the Utah State Office of Education by July.

The board also has decided to form a group to study differentiated pay in hopes of creating a new state rule. The group's work won't affect school districts' plans for spending the $20 million next school year - because those plans must be in by July - but could help to set future guidelines.

A legislative interim committee also plans to study the issue. The board hopes its group can work with the legislative committee to develop a plan.

"Let's get out in front," board member Denis Morrill said.

The board's group likely will be made up of administrators, board members, a Utah Education Association representative, parents, teachers and legislators, among others.

"This could make a difference if we do it in the correct way," Roberts said.

Board members and staff acknowledged, however, that the process likely will be complex and emotional.

"The implications of a differentiated compensation program are so far reaching," said Larry Shumway, associate state schools superintendent. "It's not a road to start down without careful consideration."