The Rochester city school district is suing to try to block the City from holding a referendum on a possible state takeover of the city schools.
The school board argues the non-binding referendum, planned for November, is not allowed under state law.
Mayor Lovely Warren says the board members are being hypocrites when they say the referendum is undemocratic, and that the board wants to take power away from parents and voters.
She believes the lawsuit will fail.
Warren is hoping strong voter support for a takeover will encourage state lawmakers to authorize it.