A bill focused on school financial problems stirring up heated debate has received approval by lawmakers in the Senate.

The bill has already been approved by the House. It now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

The organization said it changed its stance because the university would be less likely than the state-appointed emergency manager to cut art, music and other classes.

Democratic state senators from northern Indiana say a school finances bill that enforces more rules on the distressed Gary and Muncie districts will eliminate public participation in public school systems.

The state-appointed manager of the Gary Community School Corporation told state officials Friday the district faces an $18 million annual deficit.

An Indiana Senate committee has decided to postpone voting on a controversial school financials bill because of its effect on Muncie and Gary schools.

States have used different methods to reform urban districts in fiscal and financial peril. In Indiana, the controversial decision was made to give a single manager absolute power of the Gary Community School Corporation. But will it work?

New data on student enrollment says the school funding shortfall is more than double the initial estimates lawmakers revealed late last year.

A shortfall of about $9 million was initially projected because of an unanticipated increase in statewide student enrollment.

The bill now goes to the Senate side of the General Assembly for consideration.