In his seventh annual State of the State address this evening, Gov. John Engler plans to focus on state takeovers of certain school districts.
Engler's proposal would replace administrators in 10 local school districts, including Detroit, Flint and Highland Park, with state-appointed officials.
Many members of the state House, now dominated by Democrats, said the proposal uses the wrong approach in solving educational problems.
"This is the dumbest of the governor's proposals, although it takes a stretch to get there," said Rep. James Agee (D-Muskegon). "What's really unusual is the governor has proposed a major revolution in public education every year for four years. After so many revolts, it becomes revolting."
Agee said one such revolution was the establishment of charter schools, which many Democrats opposed.
John Truscott, an Engler spokesperson, said the school districts targeted for takeovers have low test scores and high dropout rates.
Rep. Mary Schroer (D-Ann Arbor) said the proposal would not correct the flaws of urban school districts.
"What I find curious is he is not proposing what he will do differently," Schroer said. "So the state takes over, what's new?"
Some state Republicans said they will not commit their support to the proposal.
"The state does have the option," said state Sen. John Schwarz (R-Battle Creek), referring to taking over local districts. "It would depend on the circumstances."
Schwarz said a school district like Detroit's, with more than 180,000 students, can't have solve its problems easily.
"I don't think anyone seriously doubts there have been some management problems in the district. This is a hell of a problem," Schwarz said. "It is a very difficult, very complex problem that will not go away with an easy solution."
However, Schwarz said the governor's intentions in the proposal are correct.
"I agree with what he is trying to do, which is to bootstrap the districts," Schwarz said.
State Rep. Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor) said that instead of concentrating on the administration of education, the governor should concentrate on the welfare of the children.
"We should focus on giving the schools sufficient resources," Brater said. "We should keep the focus on education at the local level."
Engler also plans to propose permanent expulsion for students who assault teachers, a plan to assist welfare recipients in finding jobs and the confiscation of cars from people who drive with suspended licenses.
The address will be broadcast live on public television at 7 p.m.
-The Associated Press contributed to this report.