Lawrence, Mass., Reaches Deal With State

By Robert C. Johnston

On the heels of a scathing review of the Lawrence, Mass., schools, state and local officials have struck a deal that forestalls a takeover of the district but gives the state new oversight authority.

Under the nine-point agreement reached last week, Lawrence officials and Massachusetts schools chief Robert V. Antonucci will name a panel to search for a new superintendent for the 12,000-student district.

State education officials will also open an office in Lawrence, 30 miles north of Boston, to oversee daily operations and provide technical...