On Tuesday Republican gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal released his education platform. The move comes after Democratic opponent Roy Barnes last week promised salary increases for teachers, smaller class sizes and a ban on furloughs. Barnes says his ideas would cost $1.2 billion dollars. Nathan Deal says his approach will not cost any extra money.

"Ours does not propose billions of dollars the state obviously does not have," Deal says. "We believe it is more important to focus the resources we have and give schools and teachers the flexibility they need to use those current dollars."

Deal says his education platform includes more Math and Science charter schools. He wants to forgive student loans for math and science majors and encourage more physical activity for all students. The current state funding formula known as QBE, Deal says, also needs a review.

Tags: Georgia, education, Atlanta, politics, Nathan Deal, Roy Barnes