Editorial: High school dropout rate must be addressed

Thursday, May 27, 1999 | 11:40 a.m.

That's because Clark County, with the state's largest school district, saw its rate climb to 11.8 percent, the highest since the statistic was first recorded 10 years ago.

The state Senate Human Resources and Facilities Committee had good intentions this year when it introduced Senate Bill 170 on behalf of the county school district. The bill would appropriate nearly $11.8 million in state general fund money to the school district to help reverse the dropout rate. The money would be spent to extend the school day, assist students at risk of failing academically and help schools do a better job identifying at-risk students.

But SB170, which has yet to clear the Senate Finance Committee, has little chance of passing with the legislative session due to end by Monday. Instead the school district may have to settle for a piece of Gov. Kenny Guinn's budget proposal. The governor has proposed spending $1 million statewide in each of the next two years on schools with large numbers of at-risk students.

If Guinn's proposal doesn't lead to a noticeable reduction in the state's high school dropout rate, we strongly suggest that the Legislature revisit the issue during the 2001 session.

Nevada can be proud of its booming economy and reputation as a world-class destination for tourists. But sporting the nation's leading high school dropout rate continues to be an embarrassment. Lower the state's dropout rate and the reputation of Nevada's educational system is bound to improve.