What can Nevada learn from Michigan’s troubles?

"Is Reno on track to become the Detroit of the West?"

Maybe, says Washoe County School District Superintendent Heath Morrison.

Writing in the Reno Gazette-Journal, Morrison argued that Nevada and Michigan are similar in that each state "has created a middle-class standard of living for many of their citizens that does not require a college-educated work force. Due to their leading industries of gaming, construction and automobile manufacturing, residents, including high school dropouts, could find livable wage jobs without a strong educational background."

At one time, that is.

Now, with Detroit on the ropes, Morrison says Nevada should pay attention - and learn some lessons.

"The global economy and diversifying industries in Nevada now require a higher educated work force," he writes. "If we do not advance our education systems, we will not have the work force to sustain the projected job growth. We must prepare our children for the jobs of the future."

Is there still a middle class employment niche for high school dropouts? Where? Comment here or contact us at editor@nodropouts.org