Fenty Poised to Reach For D.C. School Reins

"After eight and a half years, I don't think you have to audition," he said. "This department is better than it was, and it's not as good as it can be."

If Fenty asks him to leave, Ramsey said, "that's fine. I'll do whatever I need to make the transition smooth."

Fenty has called for the firing of Adrian H. Thompson, chief of the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, after a report in June detailed an unacceptable chain of failures in the city's emergency response to a fatal attack on retired New York Times reporter David E. Rosenbaum.

With Thompson gone, Fenty said he would separate that department into two "better run" agencies with separate chiefs and budgets. Thompson said Friday that he has addressed many problems detailed in the inspector general's report, and he disagreed with the concept of dividing the agency.

"If he asks me to retire or step down after he becomes mayor, I'll do that," Thompson said.

While outlining his vision, Fenty offered praise for Williams and several city agencies, such as the management and budget office, which he said are doing a good job.

"We are not in the unenviable position [Williams] was, where nothing worked when he took over," Fenty said. "Some agencies, we might [make changes] four levels deep, others just a change in the director. It just depends. We want to inspire a lot of confidence in people who work hard and keep them or promote them."

To achieve his agenda, Fenty will need the support of several key groups, including the D.C. Council, and Congress, which has authority over the District. Fenty is to meet this week with Ward 7 council member Vincent C. Gray, who won the Democratic nomination for council chairman. Gray's education agenda has not included a mayoral takeover of the schools.

Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2), who has been critical of Fenty, said yesterday that he would get behind a mayoral bid to take over the schools.

"I support that enormously," Evans said. However, Evans said, Fenty might need more than a majority vote on the council, noting that the move could require congressional approval.

In an interview, Janey questioned the need for such drastic reform, saying that his own strategy for overhauling the school system is underway. Last week, Janey released a 15-year plan, which includes closing 19 schools, adding Advanced Placement courses and streamlining special education.

"Mayors ought to be involved," Janey said. "The question remains: Will that involvement help propel the efforts that have already been established?"