Why did high schools take out drivers education classes?  Was it for financial reasons or was it because they are elective classes?                          

Actually it was both the cost and the fact the class isn't a requirement for graduation.  When budgets needed to be cut, drivers ed was an obvious choice.  The insurance is very expensive, because the students, teachers, and the vehicles are all required to be insured.  There also needs to be a driving course to be able to have the class.  

Since it’s not a requirement to graduate, many districts got rid of this cool elective, because the drop out rate has increased lately and many students really need other credits.
 
While they can't take it in their high schools, teenagers can get their driver's education through DMV courses or drivers education schools.

(Information from Norco Department of Motor Vehicles, Riverside DMV and Corona-Norco Unified School District.)