The Warren County Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to raise the high school dropout age from 16 to 18. School Board Chairman Kerry Young says it was simply the right thing to do.
"We are in the business of educating kids and this gives up the opportunity if we have someone struggling to have them in the system at least two more years to be able to get them either college or career ready," Young remarks.
School systems all over the state are quickly voting to raise the dropout age, which qualifies them for $10,000 in grant money. Taylor and Simpson counties also approved the higher age this week, as well as the Bowling Green city school system.
Under a new state law, once 96 of Kentucky's 176 school districts act, the higher age becomes mandatory statewide. Governor Steve Beshear told WKU Public Radio Wednesday that he's confident the 55% threshold will be met by the end of the year.
