Board approves $500K grant to fix boiler at Gary school

GARY, Ind. -- The state board overseeing the finances of the struggling Gary Community School Corp. has approved a $500,000 grant to repair a failing boiler system that left students at Roosevelt College and Career Academy without heat in January.

The Distressed Unit Appeals Board approved the grant Friday. State Sen. Earline Rogers of Gary added language to legislation this year that allowed the board to approve the boiler repairs.

The Post-Tribune reports the board heard an update from the district's state-appointed financial adviser, Jack Martin. He told the board the Gary schools face difficulty in hiring administrators, declining enrollment and limited operational technology. They also face needed repairs estimated to cost $13.6 million.

Martin said he has recommending the closing of four schools, but the school board hasn't acted on them.