The state Department of Education will work closely with the county schools on improving the five low performing iZone schools, rather than having a state takeover.
Education Commissioner Candice McQueen made the announcement at the county School Board on Thursday night.
She said a seven member advisory board will be formed for the iZone schools with four members selected by the state and three by the county. However the schools will still be under the overall control of the county School Board.
The state will put $1.5 million into boosting the schools and will appoint a coordinator to oversee the process.
Commissioner McQueen said she had been pleased with the progress the schools have already made under Superintendent Bryan Johnson.
Using this process, there will not be any need for special legislation.
Jill Levine, who is heading an effort to improve all the county low performing schools, called it, "a win-win. This is a the best outcome we could have had."
The five iZone schools are Brainerd High School, Dalewood Middle School, Woodmore Elementary, Orchard Knob Middle and Orchard Knob Elementary.