Governor backs $12 million loan to bail out Muncie schools

The governor called the remaining agenda "urgent."

► More on what Gov. Holcomb wants out of a special session.

The school district is in "dire need" of the loan to ensure it continues to operate while funding capital improvements including HVAC upgrades and roof repairs, Holcomb said. The loan "cannot wait" and the funding shortage at the school district needs to be addressed "ASAP," he said at a news conference.

House Bill 1315 was one of several important pieces of legislation that the GOP-controlled Legislature ran out of time to act on before last Wednesday's midnight deadline to wrap up the 2018 legislative session.

►JEFF WARD: Lawmakers fail Muncie Schools, BSU without vote on HB 1315

The wide-ranging HB 1315 would have authorized Ball State University to take over the Muncie school district; provided an interest-free state loan to the school district; made changes to the way the state is managing the distressed Gary Community Schools; required financial monitoring of all school corporations; and made other changes.

Muncie School Board President Debbie Feick was left with the impression on Monday that the only provision of HB 1315 to be considered in special session would be the loan.

But who knows?