Senate passes bill to allow early graduation

State Sen. Ken Winters, R-Murray

FRANKFORT – The Senate unanimously approved a bill Tuesday that would allow talented students to graduate early from high school.

Senate Bill 67, sponsored by Sen. Ken Winters, R-Murray, would allow students to fast-track their high school academics into three years instead of four and get money to pay for a year of college.

The amount of money received for finishing early would be roughly what the state spends per pupil each year, now about $8,000.

The bill stipulates how many credits the student must have, what courses must be taken and what grade-point average should be attained.

The measure now goes to the House for its consideration.

–Jack Brammer