JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (AP): A southern Indiana school system is lowering its graduation requirements because it says it's at a disadvantage with other schools.

Greater Clark County Schools has been requiring 46 credits for a Core 40 diploma. School board members have voted to cut that to the state requirement of 40 credits.

Assistant Superintendent Travis Haire says students with 44 credits are considered dropouts even though they've exceeded the state requirement. That affects the school's grade on the state's A through F school ranking system.

Superintendent Andrew Melin says the move won't eliminate necessary courses for a Core 40 diploma but will require fewer electives for students.

An academic honors diploma will still require 47 credits.