Lawmakers Review Deal Proposal On Rescuing Failing Schools

Georgia lawmakers held a hearing Wednesday on Gov. Nathan Deal's proposal to have the state take over failing schools.

Under the proposal, a district appointed superintendent would be given broad new powers to turn around the school or ask state officials to convert the school into a charter. Schools without full enrollment could be closed.

Schools given an 'F' grade by state officials based on student performance would be eligible. Up to 20 schools could be added each year, starting in the 2017 school year.

Democratic State Senator Vincent Fort is against the idea.

"This is the same crowd of folk that have cut eight billion dollars over the last 12 years, created the need for increased property taxes in two-thirds of the state's 180 school systems, larger class sizes, furloughs for teachers (and) nine thousand fewer teachers over the last 12 years," he said.

The change would take a constitutional amendment and require approval by at least two-thirds of senators and representatives as well as a statewide vote.

Lawmakers heard from representatives of Louisiana and Tennessee about similar strategies used in those states during the Wednesday hearing.

Contributors: Associated Press

Tags: failing schools, save failing schools, rescue failing schools, gov. deal proposal, Democratic State Senator Vincent Fort