Title of Regulation: 8VAC20-40. Regulations Governing Educational Services for Gifted Students (amending 8VAC20-40-20, 8VAC20-40-40, 8VAC20-40-55, 8VAC20-40-60).

Statutory Authority: § 22.1-16 of the Code of Virginia.

Notice is hereby given that the State Board of Education has WITHDRAWN the regulatory action for 8VAC20-40, Regulations Governing Educational Services for Gifted Students, the Notice of Intended Regulatory Action for which was published in 36:2 VA.R. 89 September 16, 2019. On March 12, 2021, the State Board of Education received two letters from the African American Superintendents Advisory Council (AASAC): one letter addressing advancing racial equity in Virginia's public schools, and another letter encouraging the board to issue guidance on the governance of academic-year Governor's Schools. The impetus behind the letter requesting the board to issue guidance on the governance of academic-year Governor's Schools came from House Bill 2305 introduced during the 2021 Session of the General Assembly, requiring the board to "issue guidance on the governance of academic year Governor's Schools, including communication and outreach practices, admissions policies, and guidelines on diversity, equity, and inclusion training." This bill was passed by indefinitely in the Senate's Education and Health Committee. Subsequently and pursuant to § 2.2-4016 of the Code of Virginia, the State Board of Education voted to withdraw the proposed stage of the regulatory action regarding 8VAC20-40, Regulations Governing Educational Services for Gifted Students, at the board's April 22, 2021, meeting to provide staff and the board additional time to respond to potential action items and solicit public feedback and engagement.

Agency Contact: Donna Poland, Specialist, Governor's Schools and Gifted Education, Department of Education, 101 North 14th Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 225-2884, or email donna.poland@doe.virginia.gov.