Savannah is considering some novel ideas in public education as a result of federal Race to the Top dollars.

School officials say, the plans could generate some push-back.

Chatham County schools are getting about $13 million in federal Race to the Top funds.

School officials say, the money is aimed at changing the way schools operate.

Ideas they're considering instituting a voluntary system to tie teacher pay to student performance.

District spokesman Kurt Hetegar says, another idea would require middle school teachers to take college courses to improve student reading.

"It would be an extra requirement for educators in this district to have that's not a normal practice," Hetager says. "It's new waters so we don't know how it'll play out."

Chatham is one of 26 Georgia counties receiving Race to the Top funds to improve schools.

Tags: Savannah, Chatham County schools, GPB News, Race to the Top, teacher merit pay, merit-based pay, Obama administration, education reform, Georgia education reform, middle school students, Savannah-Chatham County schools, Chatham County education, federal education grant, federal education money, federal education funding, Kurt Hetager