Senior Ditch Year in Utah?

A high school tradition, "Senior Ditch Day", may soon turn into "Senior Ditch Year" if a proposal from Utah State Senator Chris Buttars gains support. Due to a $700 million budget shortfall, Buttars is suggesting 12th grade become optional. Through an accelerated program, students would receive a diploma after three years…saving Utah almost $70 million dollars annually.Known for making controversial statements, Buttars initially suggested axing 12th grade completely as well as eliminating busing. He's since eased away from that stance, instead saying an option to finish high school early would appeal to some students and parents, and thus be more likely to get approved.So, what do current Utah seniors say? J.D. Williams, the 18 year-old student body president of suburban Salt Lake City's West Jordan High told the Los Angeles Times, "My parents are against it. All the teachers at the school are against it. I'm against it."Buttar's proposal may ultimately go nowhere but his colleagues are commending his out-the-box approach to solving state budget woes.Photo (cc) by Flickr user kris247This post originally appeared on www.refresheverything.com, as part of GOOD's collaboration with the Pepsi Refresh Project, a catalyst for world-changing ideas. Find out more about the Refresh campaign, or to submit your own idea today.