Kentucky officials are pleased with the number of early adopters for the state's new compulsory dropout age of 18, and the Gov. Steve Beshear has extended the number of grants being offered to the first 96 school district that pass new policies.
Over 75 Kentucky school districts have adopted the new dropout age just within the first week. Under state law passed this year, once 55 percent of school districts--96 districts-- raise the age from 16, all districts across the state will have four years to follow.Those districts that are among the first 96 will implement their policies during the 2015-2016 school year.The Kentucky Department of Education and Beshear’s office has been of the campaign called the 'Blitz to 96' encouraging districts to adopt new policies. KDE had previously set aside enough funding to offer the first 57 school districts that adopt new policies $10,000 grants. Beshear recently announced he would extend those grants to the first 96 districts that adopted polices, adding nearly $390,000 to the pot.Officials recognize the funds are just a small part of what will likely be needed to address the additional students who would have otherwise dropped out, but they say it may help districts figure out the costs associated with the new dropout age.The Jefferson County school board will likely vote on new policy at its meeting next Monday. The district has already passed a resolution in support of the new dropout age.As WFPL previously reported, JCPS District 7 board member Chris Brady requested the board consider a special short session to adopt the policy. Brady says there will be no special session and the board will take up the vote on Monday.(Image via Shutterstock.com)
