A regional gifted program for high school students that emphasizes mathematics, science and technology may be in trouble if one or more of the larger participating divisions withdraws.

About 275 students from seven localities currently attend the Roanoke Valley Governor's School, adjacent to Patrick Henry High School on Grandin Road in Roanoke.

City schools Superintendent Rita Bishop said Tuesday the program may be in jeopardy if other divisions pull out.

"It will be very difficult [to continue] but we will do the very best we can to provide an educational experience of quality to the students," she said.

Roanoke sends the most students -- 131, followed by Roanoke County with 53; Franklin County with 34, Botetourt County with 26; Bedford County with 17; Salem with 8; and Craig County with 5.

"If some of the bigger ones pull out, then it could be the end of the governor's school," said Taylor Holden, a Franklin County High School junior.

Franklin County school officials listed the program on a document detailing potential cuts. Not participating next year may save the division more than $190,000. The potential threat prompted Holden and some of his governor's school classmates to meet with local elected officials and write letters to state legislators.

Franklin County Superintendent Charles Lackey could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

The governor's school is funded by the localities, which pay tuition per student; state aid; and a technology grant. Curt Baker, the city schools deputy superintendent, said the program's revenues will exceed $1.8 million this fiscal year.

Botetourt County is on board for governor's school next year, according to Superintendent Tony Brads. But it was unclear Tuesday afternoon which of the other divisions have committed to participate next year, because Bishop said she could not speak for the other superintendents.

Roanoke County Superintendent Lorraine Lange said the board has not made a decision, but said she is in favor of protecting instructional programs. A Bedford County Public Schools spokesman said Tuesday that governor's school is not currently a proposed cut.