Gifted advisory reports modest growth, summer camp and outreach aims

Angela Harris, supervisor of elementary instruction and a member of the Gifted Advisory Committee, presented the committee’s annual report to the board, outlining program enrollment and priorities.

Harris said the division currently has 215 identified gifted students (4.9% of students), with 117 male and 98 female students representing more than eight races; 22 students are twice‑exceptional and 43 are economically disadvantaged. She described elementary pull‑out services, accelerated math at middle school, and advanced placement and dual‑enrollment options at the high school level. Harris noted the committee runs a summer gifted camp (aligned with summer school for transportation and meals) funded through June 30, and said the group is working on updated parent pamphlets and a second‑grade universal screener to improve identification and communication.

Board members asked about use of 'all in' grant funds, governor‑school costs and opportunities to expand seats at ATI; Harris said grant categories included instruction, the Virginia Literacy Act and absenteeism, and confirmed the division will add seven ATI seats next year. The board thanked Harris and her teachers for the report.