According to the Florida Department of Education and Pinellas County Schools, more students received a standard diploma in 1977 than in 2007, even though 5,000 more students attended the 9th grade in 2003 than in 1973. That single group of lost students from the Class of 2007 represents lost revenue to Pinellas County Schools of more than $59 million. Multiplied by an entire generation, the numbers are staggering. The economic and social impact to our community is much greater. Education has entered an era of greater financial competition for tax revenues, because of social security and national health demands. In a growing anti-tax environment and in the midst of a slowing economy, reducing our drop out rate will add revenue to our tax base. In 2005, high school dropouts earned $17,299 annually while high school graduates earned $26,933 annually. Raising the skill level of our students will keep them in school, keep jobs here and attract new jobs to Pinellas County.  |
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