Gary schools were in financial free fall for years as dwindling enrollment led to declines in state and federal funding. But something remarkable is happening in Gary schools: The district was awarded nearly $68 million in federal aid.

The private manager of Gary Community Schools received initial approval Thursday for a new two-year contract, worth potentially $7.4 million in state funds, to continue turnaround efforts in the cash-strapped, academically struggling district.

The State Board of Education ended the takeover of Gary's Theodore Roosevelt College & Career Academy today without much discussion during its regular meeting. The intervention of the school was approved in 2011 due to years of chronic academic failure.

Parents and others angrily called out the State Board of Education at its meeting today in Gary. They say despite the states intervention in local schools students face unsafe buildings, leaky roofs and even lack toilet paper at one school.

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.