KIDS DROPPING OUT OF SCHOOL CONTINUES TO BE A BIG PROBLEM IN NEW MEXICO. IF THE STATE COULD SIGNIFICANTLY CUT ITS HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUT RATE, THE BENEFITS TO TAXPAYERS AND STUDENTS WOULD BE IN THE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OVER THEIR LIFETIMES. THAT'S THE CONCLUSION OF AN AUDIT RELEASED BY THE LEGISLATIVE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
THE REPORT SAYS TWO DOZEN HIGH SCHOOLS STATEWIDE ACCOUNT FOR MORE THAN HALF OF ALL NEW MEXICO STUDENTS WHO DROP OUT WITHOUT GRADUATING. THE STATE HAD MORE THAN SEVEN-THOUSAND DROPOUTS IN GRADES SEVEN TO 12 LAST YEAR.
