A bill that would create a grant program aimed at lowering class sizes in the early grades and improving work environments for teachers cleared the House Education Committee Monday morning.

HB194 would set aside $26 million to create the K-3 Class Size Reduction Incentive Program, which would require schools that participate to reduce class sizes to a specific number. If they fail to do that they are required to give the money back.

"This proposal is brilliant — it's targeted and once we reach this goal we can see a new goal," said Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay,. "It's just a wonderful plan and I am eager to see it go forward. This is the only way we are ever going to see any improvement."

Bill sponsor Rep. Karen Morgan, D-Cottonwood Heights, said in the last decade there has been funding in the education budget earmarked for class size reduction, though class sizes for the most part have not shrunk, which is why some lawmakers questioned whether the bill would make any difference.

She said an audit found that the money had been used to hire new teachers, as was the purpose, but it had gone to fund growth.

"It was a maintenance of effort," Morgan said. "This funds that with accountability measures in return — if they don't lower it to where it should be then they will have to return the money."

According to the measure, those schools that receive the grants must reduce class sizes to parameters specified in the bill — Kindergarten classes must be reduced to around 18 students, first grade must be around 20 and second and third graders would be required to have around 22 students.

"With the number of kids in state it's a real struggle to get class sizes down but we can't give up," Morgan said.