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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 today by a vote of 34-1.

“In New Jersey’s urban core, the dropout rate among public school students – particularly minority students – is reaching epidemic proportions,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “Through our State’s Constitution, we have guaranteed that every student, regardless of race, creed or color, receive a ‘thorough and efficient’ education and a chance to succeed in our society. Unless we’re willing to look at the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to the rising dropout rate, we’re failing to live up to our responsibilities to the Constitution and to the kids in our communities.”

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.”