GATE funds should be distributed according to the needs of students and according to the district's written plan. This question comes up particularly with regard to programs such as OM, honors courses, advanced placement, IB, and special day classes when there are not enough identified gifted and talented students to fill the class. The answer, generally, is yes. Describe these situations in your written plan. The EC and regulations specifically require that parents be involved in the planning and evaluation of programs.
SBCP programs involve parents as members of school site councils.
Parents are a tremendous source of support for GATE programs, and educators should take care to utilize that support without abdicating educators' responsibilities for meeting the needs of all GATE students. Yes, an annual evaluation of the GATE program is required by law. SBCPs are required to do an annual, school site evaluation. The evaluation should be designed to provide you with helpful information about how to best meet the needs of GATE students. It does not have to be expensive or burdensome.