AP

A new report said the state could sharply reduce high school dropout rates by requiring students to remain in school until they turn 18, but it would cost $200 million a year and add to shortages of classroom space and teachers.

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State law currently allows students to drop out at age 16 with parental consent.

The report said schools would need to hire 1,100 more teachers if the compulsory age of attendance is raised to 18.

Legislation raising the age is pending in the Senate’s Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee.

Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia have raised the mandatory age to 17 or 18.