Legislative auditors report that about 11 percent of high schools account for roughly half of the New Mexico students who drop out without graduating. About 25 high schools account for 52 percent of dropouts.
An audit released Thursday by the Legislative Finance Committee said New Mexico needs to better target its dropout prevention efforts.
Auditors said 4.7 percent of students statewide dropped out in the 2013 budget year, up from 3.6 percent in 2008.
In 2013, nearly 7,200 out of 152,000 students in grades seven to 12 dropped out.
Auditors said increasing the number of students who graduate by 2,600 a year would provide a $700 million benefit to taxpayers and the students over their lifetimes. Those benefits include higher earnings and a reduction in crime.
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