Perdue wants change in how teachers are paid

ATLANTA - Gov. Sonny Perdue is calling for legislation that would pay Georgia's teachers based on student performance, not their advanced degrees.

Perdue says the state's current system rewards teachers for their level of education instead of classroom achievement.

He announced the proposal Tuesday at the annual Eggs and Issues Breakfast presented by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. It was the governor's final address to the group, as he enters his final year in office.

Perdue also renewed his vow to reach an agreement with the governors of Florida and Alabama on water use before all three leaders leave office and possibly by the end of the legislative session. He left open the possibility of a special session later this year to address the issue.