Boston Public Schools Rethinks Kicking Out Older Students

BOSTON — The School Committee said it is considering allowing students that are 22 to finish their work, rather than booting them from the school system the day before their 22nd birthday, even when they were on track to graduate.

"It's important to build understanding of the complexity of the issue," said Interim Superintendent Laura Perille during a School Committee Meeting Wednesday night.

While the district's age policy has been in place since 1999, implementation and compliance has been uneven. That's what led the district to start enforcing the policy more consistently last school year, she said.

Today, there are about 100 students across 16 of schools who are approaching their 22 birthday, according to the Interim Superintendent. Many are English learners, or students with disabilities, or with significant special needs who are served in non diploma bound programs and alternative ed programs.

"This is a complex district wide issue we're trying to address in as equitable of a manner as possible," said Perille.

Most states allow students to be in high school until they turn 22. Texas allows for students up to the age of 26, according to an Education Commission of the States analysis.

Check out the School Committee meeting from last night 30:20 - 33:44 and then look at the outline for 2 potential solutions at 2:05:00:

More to come. Check back for updates.

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• Boston Public Schools To Kick Out Older Students

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