GLASGOW — One of four proposed pieces of legislation Kentucky’s education commissioner would like to see state legislators support requires students to stay in school until they are at least 17, unless the student has already completed high school.

The legislation, which passed the state House of Representatives with a vote of 94-6, is House Bill 301.

If adopted, the law would go into effect July 1, 2013. Beginning July 1, 2014, the age would increase one year to 18.

While some legislators like the overall concept of encouraging students to stay in school and get a high school diploma, some disagree with the proposed legislation. One such legislator is Sen. David Givens, R-Greensburg.

“Based on what I know, I am opposed to forcing students who don’t wish to be in school beyond the age of 16 to stay in school,” he said. “What it does for the classroom environment, for the students who wish to be there and who wish to get an education, [is] to suffer through the torment of students who don’t want to be there. I can’t see that helping the learning environment.”

He continued that he hopes at some point “a light will come on and that person will say, ‘I need a high school diploma,’” and will feel motivated to get that diploma.

Givens pointed out Kentucky has several good systems in place to serve the needs of those who want to come back at a later date and get their high school diploma.

Rep. Johnny Bell, D-Glasgow, voted for the legislation on Thursday, but then said he does have some reservations.

“Keeping children in school until they are 18 is a great idea. Everybody needs a high school diploma,” he said, but added he is afraid that if some individuals who are adamantly wanting to quit school could be disruptive and have a negative impact on the classroom.

“We have a great alternative school here and have the ability to handle a fairly large number of students,” Bell said. “In our district[s], I don’t think that would be that [adverse], but in other regions in the state there are a lot of people who don’t have that luxury.”

Sam Dick, superintendent of Caverna Independent Schools, supports the legislation

 “I have no problem with it. It’s probably a good thing. Kids need to stay in school. The main concern I would have is to make sure they have adequate funding for it,” he said. “As long as they do that I think it’s good for kids.”

Randy Wilkinson, director of pupil personnel for the Glasgow Independent School District, said it’s no secret the dropout issue is a significant problem for Kentucky as well as the entire nation.

“Last year approximately 6,500 students dropped out in Kentucky,” he said.

He pointed out high school graduates tend to earn more per year than those who dropped out of high school.

“It is my understanding the bill, if approved, will raise the school dropout age from 16 to 18 by 2015. However, the bill does not provide the estimated $15 million to fully implement it,” Wilkinson said. “Therefore they are going to try to phase it in slowly — the bill would require students to attend school until at least age 17 beginning July 1, 2013. The bill also states by July 1, 2015 the state high school graduation rate shall be at least 90 percent.”

He continued that he sees both sides of the problem, but realizes something has to be done to address the issues.

“I think with this bill we are raising the expectations for our students, and many times students will rise to the level of your expectations,” he said.

The legislation has been received in the state Senate.

For more information about the legislation visit www.lrc.ky.gov.