2-15-10 | Utah eyeing elimination of 12th grade | United Press International

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Utah State Sen. Chris Buttars says his state should make 12th grade optional to students who have already completed their required high school credits.

The Los Angeles Times said Monday while Buttars initially proposed the complete elimination of 12th grade to trim spending, he has since suggested the state try to save as much as $60 million by making the grade optional.

Utah State Sen. Howard A. Stephenson applauded the proposal from Buttars, a Republican.

"The bottom line is saving taxpayer dollars while improving options for students," said Stephenson, another Republican. "The more options we give to students to accelerate, the more beneficial it is to students and taxpayers."

Utah Board of Education Chairwoman Debra Roberts said nothing truly would change should Buttars' proposal receive the necessary support, saying high school students should not be pressured to graduate early.

"We've always had an option in place for early graduation," she told the Times.