The justices questioned the mechanics rather than the intent of the decentralization law.

Under the 1969 decentralization law, the city's elementary and middle schools are mainly controlled by 32 elected school boards.

The Queens board had argued that the decentralization law gives the city's 32 local school boards authority over curriculum.

These actions challenge not only the limits of the Chancellor's powers, but also, critics say, the purpose of the 1969 decentralization law.

Justice Backal said the 1969 decentralization law gave the community boards power to determine education policy for each district through the hiring of the superintendent.

The board argued that he was violating the decentralization law, which gave school boards the power to hire superintendents.

The board's purview was also constricted by the 1969 decentralization law.

"I think probably the decentralization law is all right the way it is."

For years before the 1969 decentralization law, the board had 11 members, all appointed by the mayor.

Under new decentralization laws in Indonesia, local leaders have gained much power.