Others contend that the process is too vulnerable to political influence, in large part because the governor appoints the inspector general and also controls the authority.

And the consensus is putting significant pressure on Gov. George E. Pataki, who controls the authority, to do something.

The Mayor would control the authority, but it would be quasi-independent from the municipal government.

The Conservatives had previously controlled the authority from the 2004 elections, when they took it from no overall control.

What determines 'suitable and adequate' is a matter of continuous dialogue between parents, trades unions, professional associations, teachers, administrators and the elected politicians who control the local authority.

The deal is an important victory for Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, who would effectively control the authority, with his aides holding three of the five board seats.

The proposal still needs to be approved by Gov. George E. Pataki, who controls the authority.

The governor's appointees, who essentially control the authority, have been willing to let the state off the hook.

Mr. Pataki's appointees will control the authority, though the comptroller and the Legislature each appoint a board member, as well.

At that time, Mr. Pataki's predecessor, Mario M. Cuomo, was Governor and controlled the authority.