Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson

Democrats in the state Senate have unveiled a counterproposal to Gov. Deal's plan for failing schools.

The Governor wants to create a so–called "opportunity school district" that would have broad power to take over the state's lowest performing public schools.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the plan from Senate Democrats would give grants to schools. They could use the money to offer health services, job training, tutoring, and even child care.

For in-depth analysis of the plan watch Lawmakers on GPB-TV Tuesday at 7 p.m. or online.

Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson says the proposal focuses on the underlying causes of low–performing schools.

A spokesman for Deal tells the paper that the Governor might be willing to add the Democratic plan to his own proposal.

Tags: Governor Nathan Deal, Democrats, state Senate, Steve Henson, schools, education