On Wednesday, a stream of parents from National Teachers Academy told Chicago’s Board of Education they oppose a plan to turn their Near South Side grammar school into a high school, saying the desire for a high school in the gentrifying South Loop shouldn’t wipe out their strong, majority-black school.

“We need schools that are stable, environments that are stable. 500 black children are being asked to move against their will, against what they want,” said parent Troy Harden.

CPS Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson said the district is listening and said she does not oppose an “equity study” that parents called for, but “it’s complicated.”

“There’s no easy fix, but I want to dispel any allegation that this is being done to discredit or displace African American children,” Jackson said.

Supporters of the plan also showed up, including Chinatown parents who say they’ve wanted a nearby high school for decades.