Please allow our voices to be heard, especially surrounding the following concerns:

1. PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THE STATEMENT REQUIRING DOE FUNDS FOR EDUCATION OF GIFTED STUDENTS TO BE USED ONLY FOR THOSE PURPOSES.
2. PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THE APPROVING AGENCY FROM THE VA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS.

As a parent of a young GT student, I feel we are fortunate to have such an excellent GT program in Fauquier County and even more fortunate to have our children attending such an excellent school, but while the whole nation is feeling such a "financial crunch," which is probably an understatement at this point, I feel the above changes could be a dangerous proposition for the future of our children and should not be overlooked.  Financial support from state and/or local funding is critical to keep our GT program optimal. 

If these changes are allowed to happen, our “NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND” promise will likely have not been kept.  We are parents speaking out for the goodness of giving our nation’s brightest children the opportunity to do their best, which we feel is critical for the future successes of our country in today’s fluctuating challenging world markets and educational arenas.

Thank you for allowing our voices to be heard. 

Tony and Liz Pullen

Parents of Nathan Pullen,

3^rd-Grade GT Student

C. Hunter Ritchie Elementary School

Fauquier County Public Schools