Gov. unveils reward program for teachers, principals

ATLANTA - Gov. Sonny Perdue says he wants to reward Georgia principals and teachers who boost student achievement.

Perdue said Tuesday they would receive bonuses and merit pay.

Perdue spoke at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce's annual ``Eggs and Issues'' breakfast. He said he also wants to lure new science and math teachers to the state by boosting their entry level pay to those of fifth year teachers.

It was not immediately clear where the additional funds would come from. Georgia faces a budget shortfall of about $2 billion for the current fiscal year.

Perdue also says he will push legislation this session to have those who file frivolous lawsuits to compensate those they sue.