High school drop out rate bill aims to revoke licenses

It’s halfway through New Mexico's 60 day legislative session, and lawmakers are looking for ways to reduce our high school dropout rate. 

One bill would require school districts to track those wannabe at-risk students through truancy records and failing grades, and then work with the Motor Vehicle Division to deny their licenses or revoke them. 

Sen. Craig Brandt, a Rio Rancho Republican, is the bill's sponsor. Brandt's bill would make it harder for kids to drop out, financial hardship or illness being the main excuses. It would require students and parents to sit down for an exit interview with the principal, where all of the drawbacks to dropping out would be spelled out. 

New Mexico's latest four year graduation rate has improved from 65 percent to 70 percent - which means the dropout rate is still about 30 percent. 

High school drop out rate bill aims to revoke licenses