Bill Introduced to Reward Early Grads

(State Capitol, Phoenix) Rep. Andy Tobin called on the Senate to pass a bill that provides money to students who graduate early from high school. Tobin added his plan to SB1183, which overwhelmingly passed the House last week. Under the bill, students who graduate early would be eligible for a $1,000 grant for the first year of college or trade school and $500 for the second year. Districts would receive money for that student but not carry any expenses associated with that student. "It is disingenuous for the state to demand accountability in our public school system and then penalize them for exceptional performance," Tobin said. "Denying a school district funding when they graduate a student early makes no sense. Let's encourage a rigorous class schedule, improve our drop out rates, advance more of our students into higher education and provide incentives to schools for outstanding performance." The bill was sent back to the Senate and Tobin is recommending constituents call senators and the governor to press the passage of the bill.