A financial consultant of the Gary Community School Corporation told state officials Thursday the districts operating deficit is now cut in half to $11 million.

The Indiana Distressed Unit Appeals Board unanimously recommended Thursday that the Gary Community School Corp. receive the state loan.

The state-appointed manager of the Gary Community School Corporation told state officials Monday the district faces less of a deficit than it did a year ago.

The district is in the middle of an enrollment campaign that includes door-to-door flyers, calls to parents, and social media posts. School infrastructure upgrades and new technology are also underway.

The school takeover bill is largely about intensifying state takeover of the distressed Gary and Muncie schools. But it also creates new "fiscal indicators" for every school system.

The testimony was solely about a Gary-Muncie school takeover bill, the most controversial measure lawmakers will hear next week.

The district earned the debt after collecting federal taxes from employees but failing to pay the government.

Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson says provisions limiting the power of school officials in her community are bad for government.

The district's chief financial officer said Gary was able to get the terms because the district is paying its bills on time.

As the clock struck midnight, the Senate had one more bill eligible for passage.