GARY, Ind. (AP) _ The state of Indiana's Distress Unit Appeals Board has given Gary's school district the choice of three consultants to provide it financial assistance.

The (Munster) Times reports (http://bit.ly/1fF7uVw ) the appeals board offered the consultants' names during a Monday meeting. The Gary school board has 21 days to select a consultant. 

Gary Superintendent Cheryl Pruitt said she is anxiously awaiting work with the consultant to begin.

Gary's school district has faced declining enrollment and decreased funding from the state. Its deficit is more than $23 million. That includes more than $7 million in taxes and interest due to the Internal Revenue Service and more than $4 million in utility bills.