The Michigan Senate passed a bill March 2 proposed by Gov. John Engler to give Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer similar authority over the city schools. But the Oakland bill is unique in that it appears, at least to critics of the plan, to be a pressure tactic designed to force the school board to replace Superintendent Carole Quan. Perata has been a frequent critic of the superintendent, and some city officials also have urged that Quan be removed. The school board has condemned the takeover bill, even though some board members want Quan to be replaced. In February, the board unanimously passed a resolution urging critics not to undermine board members' authority over the school district.
Some board members are skeptical of the takeover threat.
The political maneuvering against Quan has sparked counterprotests in favor of the superintendent. Several community residents charge Perata and other elected officials with seeking to earn cheap political points by making a show of demanding better schools at the superintendent's expense. Quan's supporters also argue critics are ignoring the complex problems facing the large urban school system. But Perata and other critics of Quan says they are frustrated by the lack of progress. Oakland students score well below the national average on reading and math tests.