It's happening in Maryland as well. Our school system is concerned because the magnet programs do not proportionally represent low-income students and some minority groups. While there has been talk about better publicizing these programs in neighborhoods typically under-represented, there is also lots of talk about eliminating them or drastically lowering the standards to be admitted. Some parents have written that the magnet programs are too expensive (due to an increased need for transportation) and that gifted students are already ahead and don't need any special treatment. We are concerned that the gifted programs may be eliminated in our area.