HD34 - Study of the Feasibility and Appropriateness of Establishing a Governor's School for Agriculture in Virginia


Executive Summary:
House Joint Resolution 200 (HJR 200) is the study of the feasibility and appropriateness of establishing a Governor’s School for Agriculture. The major issues for consideration in the study were: “(1) the need for specific agricultural, technical, and professional training and programs and the types of curricula such Governor’s School should offer; (2) the location, governance, and funding of such a school; (3) creative methods of incorporating the education and experience of farming, forestry, business, horticulture, and other agriculture-related industries and other experts in the delivery of instruction; (4) similar regional or special schools in other states; and (5) other issues as it deems appropriate.”

An Advisory Committee was established for this study. The members of the Advisory Committee identified various items that were included under the major issues for consideration. These included:

• the need for specific agricultural, technical, and professional training
• the types of curricula, facilities, and resources needed
• methods of incorporating education and experience in the delivery of instruction.

A survey instrument was developed and sent to members of the agricultural and educational communities. The responses from the survey indicated that the survey respondents agreed with the need for a Governor’s School for Agriculture and would support the School by providing resources. Also, a survey of the Superintendents of Schools in Virginia revealed that there would be numerous students interested in attending the school. The possible methods of providing a Governor’s School for Agriculture include:

• statewide summer residential school
• summer regional school
• academic year school.