Alternative dropout bill clears state Senate

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Local school districts could raise the dropout age to 18 under a bill that's now heading to the House for consideration.

The Senate voted 35-2 Wednesday to approve the measure, Senate Bill 109 .

Republican Sen. Jack Westwood of Erlanger, Ky., one of the bill's sponsors, said the legislation is an alternative to legislation being pushed by Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear that would uniformly increase the dropout age for all school districts from 16 to 18 by 2017.

Beshear said last week that he was pleased to see some movement on the part of the Senate on an issue that he and first lady Jane Beshear see as a priority.

The House Education Committee has already approved the Beshear proposal. It is awaiting a vote on the House floor.