Union Leader - Lynch Seeks Alternatives Against Dropping Out

Union Leader - Lynch Seeks Alternatives Against Dropping Out

Written by GARRY RAYNO Union Leader

Concord - Gov. John Lynch yesterday said he intends to include additional funding in next biennium's budget for alternative education programs intended to keep students in high school.

Lynch told a subcommittee of the House Education Committee studying Senate Bill 268 that he would propose funding for such alternative programs as technical education and night school in his next budget.

Lynch's press secretary Pam Walsh said the Department of Education is working on a preliminary proposal that would cost about $1 million to $2 million to institute regional programs.

Lynch's plan to raise the age students are required to attend school from 16 to 18 years old, SB 268, was passed by the Senate but stalled in the House when it was sent for more study.

The committee has until Nov. 1 to report its recommendation. The next legislature is not obligated to take up the recommendation.

At the committee meeting yesterday, Lynch said, "Education is all about opportunity, the opportunity we basically offer our children to get a better life." He said, for students to compete and the state to succeed more students have to graduate from high school. "The goal in our state should be that every student graduate from high school, it's right for them, it's right or our economy," Lynch said.

He noted that the drop out age was set more than 100 years ago when students who did drop out could find good jobs in manufacturing or agriculture, unlike today when they need a high school education.

Lynch said the social cost of drop outs is staggering as 80 percent of the inmates in prison are drop outs. He said the state pays about $45 million a year for drop outs.

The chairman of the committee, Rep. Stephen L'Heureux, R-Hooksett, urged the members to recommend legislation be considered next year. He noted lawmakers have been studying the issue for 20 years and it is time to for something to happen.

But he noted, any proposal should not harm home-school programs already in place.

http://www.johnlynch06.com/content/view/91/