Both of central Virginia's full-time governor's schools could face closure or major cut backs in operations if Chesterfield County no longer participates in them, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Chesterfield is facing it's own budget crisis and deciding where to make cutbacks, and sending students to the governor's schools is a popular option among employees.

The loss of these two schools could greatly impact the quality of education in the area because they provide opportunities not found in traditional high schools - which is a draw for families. Unique, quality educational programs are key for protecting property values, so even homeowners who do not have children in either of the governor's schools could be harmed by their closing.

"Central Virginia's two full-time governor's schools could face severe changes or even closure if Chesterfield County eliminates its participation in them.

Chesterfield school officials sent a survey to its employees Tuesday asking them to choose ways to cut nearly $40 million from its proposed fiscal 2011 budget.

Among the many options is to stop sending students to Appomattox Regional Governor's School for Arts and Technology in Petersburg and Maggie L. Walker Governor's School for Government and International Studies in Richmond.

In an impact statement accompanying the survey, Chesterfield acknowledges that if it ends its participation at the governor's schools, a $2 million savings, 'this option would likely result in both schools closing.'

Chesterfield is the largest school division represented at both schools. This year, the county has 224 students at Maggie Walker and 129 at Appomattox. Overall, that represents about one-third of the total students at each school.

'As the largest contributor of students and funds to these regional schools, we understand that not participating would have deep ramifications," Chesterfield schools spokesman Shawn Smith said yesterday. "It would put a tremendous burden on other school divisions, one that we realize may not be sustainable in these economic times.'

Appomattox's budget for fiscal 2010 is $4.4 million, and the school receives a little more than $1 million from the state. Maggie Walker's 2010 budget is $7.7 million, with about $1.9 million coming from the state."

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