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RALEIGH -- State education leaders meet Wednesday to decide what's next for two popular education programs in our state. Committees will discuss what's next for the Governor's School summer program after losing state funding and they'll decide which schools will become charter schools.

After 50 years the governor's school program for gifted students in our state has been fighting to stay open after losing funding. After legislators voted to lift the cap on the number of charter schools in the state last year, there could be more as early as this upcoming school year.

The Governor's School Task Force met on Jan. 17 to talk about what it will take to operate this summer. The two summer schools specializing in advanced arts and sciences for high schoolers are at Salem and Meredith colleges.

Leaders said they have about $600,000 in cash and donations to go towards operating them. Their goal is to have about 300 students per school in the six-week program this year. But, they need $873,000 to do that.

The task force is hoping to get approved for some grants. They're also challenging each member to raise at least $6,000 by Wednesday.

"We suggest the maximum latitude be given to the state board to make those decisions trusting in their good judgement to do what is best for this wonderful program," said Scott Gayle with N.c. Governor's School Foundation.

Also, on Jan. 10 state officials met with prospective charter schools or schools that wanted to renew their charter status. Before lawmakers voted to eliminate the cap on the number of charter schools last year, there were only 100 across North Carolina. If approved by the state board, these schools could open in time for the next school year.

Committees will hear these issues Wednesday. The full board is expected to take them up Thursday.