As we begin a new school year thousands of families across our state are sending their children to school. Unfortunately, some will not as their high school student has decided to drop out of school instead. They will not be alone; the Public Education Department indicates that 24% of high school students statewide will do the same - one out of every four. As we continue to lead the nation in dropout rates, the time has come to join the many other states who offer another way for students to earn their high school diploma - vocational school.

This may seem odd coming from someone who has worked in a college-preparatory school much of his career. However, I have always believed that parents should have a choice in where and how their children attend school. Regardless the type of schooling a student completes, a well-educated society benefits us all. To become a more prosperous state we must expand our thinking beyond the traditional and move into the possible.

In an odd disparity, New Mexico has one of the highest unemployment rates, yet employers are desperate for new employees. This is a challenge for a job market already struggling after a flawed Covid recovery strategy from Santa Fe.

According to a 2021 study printed by the Associated Press, the school-aged population of our state will drop by as much as 9% in the next 10 years. This means we may have empty school buildings that could be re-tooled into vocational schools.

An educational discussion without the question of funding is rare, and this idea will not be the exception. Here are some ways that we could partially fund vocational schools/ training without increasing taxes: To start, by reducing the high school dropout rate this would bring added per/student dollars back into each school district which could be directed to vocational training. Next, employers in desperate need of new employees could be incentivized to help fund start-ups, even making longer term commitments as they directly benefit from an influx of new employees. Lastly, increased skilled labor means increased employment - which equates to increased tax revenue which benefits the whole.

Vocational schools for each county in New Mexico? Now is the time to take a hard look at how this can be accomplished for the betterment of our students, schools, and state economy.

(Dr. John Foreman is the Head of School at Mesilla Valley Christian School in Las Cruces, and GOP nominee for NM House District 52.)