NC H40

Adds McDowell County Schools to an existing pilot program that raises the high school dropout age from 16 to 18 years old.

McDowell County Schools may implement the pilot program beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, while other participating districts (Hickory Public Schools, Newton-Conover City Schools, and Rutherford County Schools) began in 2016-2017.

Authorizes McDowell County Schools to use available funds to employ up to three additional teachers and cover student-related costs such as transportation and technology.

Requires McDowell County Schools to partner with McDowell Technical Community College in administering the pilot program, to the extent possible.

Expands reporting requirements to include McDowell County data on teen crime statistics, compulsory attendance violations, and program effectiveness in biennial reports to the General Assembly.