The proposed revisions should be rejected.  It is esssential that Virginia's Gifted Programs continue to be approved by the Department of Education and be developed on a long term 5-year basis.  School Board members are not necessarily experts in gifted education. 

Also, state funds administered by the Department of Education for the education of gifted students should be restricted to support only those activities identified in the school division's gifted education plan as approved by the Board of Education. 

By rejecting these changes, we can continue Virginia's record of providing outstanding educational opportunities for gifted students across the Commonwealth.