Bill Changing Dropout Law Defeated

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Governor Brad Henry's proposal to make it more difficult for students to drop out of high school at age 16 was defeated in the state Senate Wednesday.<br/><br/>Thirteen Democrats

Wednesday, February 28th 2007, 1:35 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Governor Brad Henry's proposal to make it more difficult for students to drop out of high school at age 16 was defeated in the state Senate Wednesday.

Thirteen Democrats and ten Republicans voted against the bill as it failed by a 23-to-20 vote. Thirteen Republicans and seven Democrats voted against it and five senators were absent.

Supporters say the proposal would remove a provision allowing students to drop out at age 16 if parents and school administrators agree it would be in the best interest of the student and the community.

State Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson says it's never in a student's best interest to drop out.

State Senator Kenneth Corn used a parliamentary move to keep the bill alive and a spokesman for the governor says work will continue in an effort to pass it later.