An emergency meeting of councillors will next week decide whether to challenge in the High Court government plans to turn a Norwich high school into an academy.
The Hewett School, which is in special measures, has been put on a fast track to academisation in what critics believe is a government effort to convert it before the election.
Rules governing the election campaign prevent ministers creating new academies after March 30.
Education minister Lord Nash last week gave the foundation trust that owns the school's land two weeks to respond to plans for it to be sponsored by the Inspiration Trust.
Councillor Emma Corlett said: 'For my community, this absolutely stinks.'
The council threatened a legal challenge, which could delay the process beyond March 30, but only the Children's Services Committee can approve an application for judicial review.
Councillors heard an academy order could be issued as early as next Tuesday.
The meeting will be at County Hall at 2pm next Tuesday.
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