The Governor's School, created by the late Terry Sanford during his 1961-65 term as North Carolina's governor (he'd later do a term in the U.S. Senate), was and remains an innovative summer enrichment program for eager students. Admission is selective, and it wasn't that long ago that the school, which operates six-week programs at Salem College in Winston-Salem and Meredith College in Raleigh, didn't even charge tuition, which now is at $500.
Threatened with closure by legislative budget cuts, the school raised $200,000 quickly. Given that show of support, lawmakers should consider restoring funding and eliminating tuition. The school has proved its worth, clearly, and has made a difference in the lives of thousands of students from different socioeconomic backgrounds who shared talent and drive. Sanford was an idea man, and this was one of his best. Besides, the money saved by this budget cut is a relatively small amount in the scope of things. That small amount produces big dividends.
