Richard appoints Task Force on Dropout Prevention

The following news release was issued by Missouri House Communications:

Missouri House Speaker Ron Richard, R-Joplin, this week announced the creation of the Task Force on Dropout Prevention. The task force is charged with researching our state’s dropout rate and finding solutions to decrease the number of Missouri kids that drop out of school.

“Missouri’s dropout rate has steadily increased in recent years and we want to put a stop to that trend,” said Speaker Richard. “I am asking that the members of the Task Force on Dropout Prevention find solutions to this growing epidemic,” he finished.

Richard named Rep. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, to chair the task force. As Chairman, Nasheed is given the responsibility of directing meetings and ensuring that all members work together to research the problem. Nasheed is the founder of the “In it 2 Win” Coalition, which attempts to persuade dropouts to return to school or to pursue their GED.

“Representative Nasheed has been a dedicated advocate for dropout prevention in the past and I am confident that she will continue to be a strong leader on the issue moving forward,” said Speaker Richard.

“I am grateful that Speaker Richard is passionate about taking action to reverse the alarming trend of high school dropouts in our state,” said Representative Jamilah Nasheed. “It is with great pleasure that I chair the Task Force on Dropout Prevention and work to shed light on the sources of the problem, as well as to find and recommend effective solutions.” she added.

Since the highest dropout rates are found in urban areas, this task force will especially focus on these educational environments.

Other members serving on the task force with Rep. Nasheed include: Reps. Jeanette Mott-Oxford (vice chair), Doug Funderburk, Andrew Koenig, Cole McNary, Rick Stream, Michael Brown and Tishaura Jones.