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Kentucky House OKs Dropout Bill Compromise; Expected to Become Law

The House has approved a compromise to raise the dropout age in Kentucky gradually, after previous compromises have failed.

Senate Bill 97 would allow local school boards to choose whether to raise the dropout age to 18. After 55 percent of Kentucky’s school boards raise the age, it would become mandatory statewide in four years. The bill’s advocates say they believe the new dropout age will be in effect throughout the state by 2019.

State Representative Jeff Greer of Meade County has been shepherding the bill through the house. He called the compromise a victory.

"I view this as a tremendous victory for our state, we're sending a message to our young people."

The Senate also agreed to the compromise. This will send a dropout bill to Governor Steve Beshear's desk for the first time in the five years Beshear has pushed the issue.

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