Lawmakers suggest raising age that kids can drop out
Minnesotans can now quit high school at 16 under some circumstances. That's also true in about half the states in the country. But 14 others have recently moved to up the age to 18.
Senator Chuck Wiger said Minnesota should follow suit.
"It's very expensive when a person drops out of the system, not only for that student, but for the state as well," Wiger said. "It's well documented what the ripple impact would be."
About 5,000 kids a year quit school. Experts estimate they'll cost Minnesota $4 billion in lost wages and productivity.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
Not everyone, though, thinks the change is needed.
Administrators say they're reluctant to enforce yet another school law.
Prosecutors say the state's existing law is strong already. Teens are required to have parental permission to quit school. Few get it, but dropout rates have remained steady since the requirement became law in 2002.
The bill will be introduced on Monday.