I am very concerned about the proposed revision of two regulations that govern gifted education in our state.  Specifically:  8VAC20-40-60 and 8VAC20-40-70 . Local school board members vary considerably in their level of education, and to ask them to act as “experts” in reviewing the local gifted ed plan invites disaster. And annual planning is a real time-waster. The state DOE rightly has the responsibility and the expertise to provide input into local gifted ed plans, as well as the authority to confirm that each plan complies with regulations. I hope that you will advocate for the continued system of local plans being created on a five-year basis, with thorough review by the DOE, and NOT sent to the local school board for approval. On the issue of funding for gifted education, 8VAC20-40-70 is a bad idea. I hope that you will support regulations that specifically direct state funds from the DOE for gifted ed  be used to pay for ONLY those activities that are set forth in the school division’s approved gifted ed plan.