RICE-TURNER BILL TO HELP KEEP KIDS IN SCHOOL APPROVED IN BUDGET COMMITTEE

Measure Would Create Office to Focus on Dropout Prevention, Help Reengage Out-of-School Youth

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Shirley K. Turner which would focus State resources on reducing the student dropout rate and helping to make it easier for out-of-school minors to reengage with school was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee earlier this week by a vote of 9-0, with three abstentions.

“In some of our state’s urban communities, the dropout rate is reaching epidemic proportions,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “While the State Constitution guarantees a ‘thorough and efficient’ education for all New Jersey students, such a mandate does little good for students who’ve dropped out of school. Through this legislation, we’re directing the Department of Education to look at the problem, and make policy recommendations to deal with the issues that play into and spin out of a student’s decision to drop out.”

Click here to read the rest of Senator Rice's and Senator Turner's news release.