State funding for the gifted students' education is a necessity for the future of Virginia.  Once the funding passes from the state to the local level, interest in the program moves because those whose children do not qualify for the program fight any funding for the program.

It is equally devastating to the state to deprive lower ability and gifted students the special attention the both need and deserve.

By switching funding to local control, it would seem that both levels of students would suffer.  By reducing funding and therefore attention to the needs of gifted students, we are fostering boredom and loss of interest in education and waste of a valuable resource.

Think what these gifted minds can contribute to Virginia and to the world in the future...NOTHING if left unnurtured!

For Virginia's future and that of gifted students, the state must continue funding the gifted education program.