RD463 - Review of Academic-Year Governor’s Schools Program Funding Formula – November 4, 2016


Executive Summary:
Academic-Year Governor’s Schools (AYGS) originated in the Commonwealth in 1985 to offer gifted students academic and visual and performing arts opportunities beyond those normally available in the students’ home schools. Through these schools, students are able to focus on a specific area of intellectual or artistic strength and interest, and study in a way that best suits the gifted learner’s needs. Each program stresses non-traditional teaching and learning techniques to expand students’ knowledge of and interest in science and technology, the humanities, and the arts by providing interaction with the community, industry, professionals, and higher education. Career exploration and advanced classes help students prepare for college and other postsecondary opportunities.

The programs have grown over the years, and various Governor’s Schools models have been created. Currently, 19 Academic-Year Governor’s Schools serve 6,670 high school students from 126 school divisions.

Each Academic-Year Governor’s School is governed by a regional board comprised of at least one school board representative from each of the participating school divisions in accordance with the Regulations Governing Jointly Owned and Operated Programs [8VAC20-281-20]. The regional governing board is charged with developing policies for the school including the school’s admission process, budget and local tuition contribution, and curriculum. Governor’s Schools are unique in their focus area, selection of students, funding scenario, and curriculum in order to best serve their regional constituency.