Mass. To Get $59M For Lowest Performing Schools

Massachusetts is receiving $59 million in federal stimulus money aimed at helping out the state's lowest performing schools.

To apply for the money a school district must be identified as one of the state's persistently lowest achieving.

Individual schools that have failed to show yearly progress for two years can also apply.

Sen. John Kerry said the money is designed to help close a persistent achievement gap in Massachusetts' schools.

Earlier this year, the state identified 35 underperforming schools and gave them an ultimatum: Start making dramatic improvements or face a state takeover.

A dozen of the schools are located in Boston and another 10 in Springfield with other schools located in Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford and Worcester.