School boards in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties are asking Maryland legislators to pass a law requiring students to stay in school until they’re 18 years old.
The request — part of the districts’ legislative platforms released this week — come as the General Assembly prepares for its January session facing a $2 billion shortfall.
A change in the age to 18 from 16 at which students can drop out of school without a parent’s approval would cost the state little. As the school system in Montgomery saw its graduation rate fall to about 87 percent from a recent peak of nearly 93 percent in 2003, the board approved the change.
The Prince George’s school board said that its more than 1,100 dropouts last year will end up costing the county more in the long run than it costs to keep reluctant 17- and 18-year-olds in school.
“Raising the compulsory age of attendance alone is not a silver bullet,” wrote Laura Steinberg, who helps direct Montgomery’s relations with the state legislature. But “impact will take place only if [the requirement] is accompanied by engaging instruction and personal supports.”
In addition, both districts are asking state lawmakers to expand free, optional pre-kindergarten for all 4-year-olds, instead of only to low-income youngsters as is currently available. That move is less likely because the state would incur millions in expansion costs.
Debates are likely to heat up over what level of funding the counties and the state owe to the districts.
Last year, Gov. Martin O’Malley used $176 million in stimulus dollars to fully fund for the first time the state’s financial obligation to the schools under the 2003 Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act.
Both boards of education oppose any retreat from that funding level, in addition to any attempt to shift millions in teacher pension costs to the districts. They are currently covered by state funds.
State Sen. Nancy King, D-Montgomery, said that no one is certain yet where the money will come from to fund the $2 billion deficit, but that the pension costs likely will remain with the state
“That’s a die on your sword issue,” King said, explaining that to shift the cost could bankrupt some counties. “It’s a big price tag, and there will be legislative staffers suggesting it, but none of us are for it.”
