INDIANAPOLIS -- Democrat Jill Long Thompson wants to offer more students a fifth year in high school -- a move she said would improve Indiana's graduation rate.

The gubernatorial candidate also wants to expand college scholarships using private donations, and she hopes to create an early education program that would give children free books.

Long Thompson said Wednesday that some high school students need more time to graduate.

Students can already stay longer than four years, but they are not counted toward the official four-year graduation rate.

High school costs about $10,000 per student a year. Thompson said that cost to taxpayers could pay off in the long run by avoiding other costs associated with high school dropouts.

"I believe we have to make some major reforms that will help us to graduate our students and get them on for some post-high school education," Thompson said.

Long Thompson faces Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels in November's election.