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Juneau Asks for Increase in Dropout Age

By Beacon Staff

HELENA – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau is again seeking to increase the school dropout age from 16 to 18 years old.

Juneau told the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday that the proposal is part of her ongoing initiative to increase graduation rates. Her office says the effort has led to better graduation rates, and fewer dropouts.

A similar effort was killed in the last legislative session.

Juneau also asked the committee to back a bill that would make sure local districts continue to get state funding for 19-year-old students.

The second-term schools superintendent says the effort will assist local efforts to keep kids in school.

Local school officials and others are backing the effort as an important way to increase expectations for students.