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Utah House Approves $12M Class-size Reduction for K–2
Summary
The Utah House unanimously passed House Bill 48 to expand a class-size reduction program in kindergarten through second grade, adding $4 million to bring total program funding above $12 million; the sponsor said the appropriation is ongoing and districts that meet K–2 goals may apply excess funds to third grade locally.
The Utah House on a unanimous voice vote approved House Bill 48, a measure to expand the state's class-size reduction program in early elementary grades by adding $4,000,000 and increasing total program funding to more than $12,000,000. The House recorded 72 affirmative votes and 0 opposing votes before referring the bill to the Senate for further consideration.
Sponsor Representative Rob W. Bishop said the funding continues an effort that began years earlier and would cover kindergarten through second grade while giving districts flexibility to apply excess funds to third grade. "This year, we would like to continue on with that effort to try and make classrooms, those primary grades, as manageable as possible by adding an extra $4,000,000 which will bring our total over $12,000,000," Bishop said. He confirmed the appropriation is ongoing funding.
Supporters described classroom experience and student outcomes they had observed with smaller classes. "Having had an experience of being a teacher ... I could see the results of those with 16 students," said Reverend Moran, urging passage. Another floor speaker recounted kindergarten classes with as many as 35 students and said smaller classes give children a better start.
Members asked procedural and fiscal questions on the floor. One legislator noted that when benefits and related costs are included the fiscal analyst's total approaches about $14,000,000; Bishop acknowledged the fiscal estimate and said the program is meant to be ongoing rather than a single-year infusion.
The bill's language gives districts that reach K'2 goals the discretion to use excess funds on third grade in their own districts. House members who spoke in favor repeatedly cited research and classroom experience linking early-grade class-size reductions to improved long-term academic outcomes.
Following brief floor debate and multiple expressions of support, the House voted to pass HB48. The bill will now be transmitted to the Senate.
