With just a few days left until a redistricting vote that could change the footprint of Atlanta Public Schools, parents and community leaders are fighting to save their schools.

Community members turned out in force on Thursday night to support DH Stanton Elementary School – one of several on the chopping block. They said they didn’t have enough time to react to the decision.

Parents and neighbors spoke for two hours, expressing frustration that APS would shut down a school in a community where the city invested millions in the Beltline Park.

They’re also upset that they received news that the school could close last weekend, just days before the proposal heads to the school board for approval.

“Up until a week ago, Stanton wasn’t on the list (of schools that could be closed). Then, all of a sudden, poof, like magic, it’s on the list,” resident Rob Welsh said.

Supporters held signs as they marched to the school before the meeting.

“I’ve been in DH Stanton for two years now and I just believe that I’ve come too far for the school to close,” one student said.

“Until you board members do what is right by these communities, we will continue to suffer with uneducated children who do not have an opportunity to get a good job,” parent Darlene McKnight said.

McKnight has been on spring break with her daughters. She only learned the school was on the list when she got home on Wednesday night. McKnight said she chose to send her girls to Stanton, which is in their neighborhood, because she wanted to give it a chance.

“Give us an opportunity. Don’t just snatch it from us last-minute. That’s not fair to my children,” McKnight said.

Community groups put together a proposal to keep the school open and submitted it to school officials at Thursday night’s meeting.

Teachers also asked what would happen to their jobs if the school closed. A school spokesperson said they will have an opportunity to interview for new openings at other schools, but hiring decisions will be up to the school principals.