Jefferson County Schools could be the first in the state to act to raise the dropout age from 16 to 18. School board member Chris Brady says he'll bring the issue up for discussion Monday night and could pursue a vote.
"I think it's in our best interest to set the expectation that everyone graduates by at least age 18 and to say it's not okay to dropout before that time," Brady adds.
Brady says it's important for JCPS to act quickly to send a message to the state and the community that the district wants to do everything it can to reach all students. JCPS is the state's largest district.
Governor Beshear just signed the bill last week. It leaves the decision up to individual districts. Once 55% of districts raise the age, it will become mandatory for all four years later. Over 6,000 Kentucky students drop out each year. Over 1,000 JCPS students are dropping out each year.