MUNSTER | Indiana's superintendent of public instruction said he is very encouraged by the steps interim Gary school Superintendent Myrtle Campbell is taking to improve education in that city's schools.

Tony Bennett, who is in Northwest Indiana visiting schools, stopped Thursday at The Times on the heals of visiting a public school and a charter school in Gary.

Bennett said he heard Campbell say there is a "sense of urgency" about improving education in Gary. The school district is closing 12 school buildings and converting three high schools into themed academies for students in grades 7-12.

Bennett said he also is pleased that Gary is willing to sell vacant buildings to charter schools.

"I want to see them do more than just shuffle the chairs around the Titanic," he said. "I need to be convinced that what they do yields improved performance."

Bennett said one reason the state hadn't taken over failing schools in the past was because the "accountability system didn't convey a sense of urgency."

Bennett also said the state must ensure that Indiana students must be in class at least 180 days as required by state law. He also talked about lengthening the school day or the school year.

"As President Obama said a couple of weeks ago when he unveiled his education agenda, the challenges of a new century demand more time in the classroom," Bennett said.

The president's vision for an education system that is second to none is consistent with our vision for Hoosier education, Bennett said. His belief in stringent testing and accountability systems and high-level standards reflect the beliefs that have made Indiana a national leader in those areas, Bennett noted

"I want superintendents in other states to wake up every morning trying to figure out how they can be more like Indiana," he said.