Senate sends bill detailing school takeover to governor

ATLANTA (AP) The Georgia Senate has sent the final piece of Gov. Nathan Deal's proposal to take over schools dubbed "chronically failing" to his desk.

A constitutional amendment that will be submitted to Georgia voters in 2016 narrowly passed both the House and Senate. Senators on Friday agreed with some minor House changes to the bill which details how the state-run district would operate.

Deal's plan would allow an appointed superintendent to select up to 20 schools deemed failing each year and make them into charters, close them or overhaul management. Up to 100 schools could be included in the district.

Schools scoring less than 60 on the state's index for measuring student performance and growth for three years would be eligible.

Most education groups have opposed the plan.