AUSTIN (KXAN) — A group of parents wants the Austin ISD Board of Trustees to reconsider their vote on closing four schools.

Last month, the board voted to close Metz, Pease, Sims and Brooke elementaries next year.

The district says poor facilities and declining enrollment are the reasons for the closures. But parents with Save Austin Schools are siding with the district’s equity officer.

The report by Stephanie Hawley claims the closure plan was created in a racist environment and emphasized money and buildings — instead of the well-being of students.

“She’s done her job but we have to look at whether her bosses have allowed her to do her job.. if they’ve empowered her or tried to silence her.”

Last week, AISD began discussing the best way to start the closure and consolidation process.

In a letter on Tuesday, Save Austin Schools said, in part:

“The trustees were not given enough time for meaningful deliberation of the lasting impact of these closures that will disproportionately hurt historically marginalized communities, children of color and special education elementary students.

Considering the delayed release of the report by AISD executives and given questionable and self-serving motives of top an AISD officer and AISD trustee, Save Austin Schools asks the AISD board of trustees to reconsider their November 18th school closure vote and halt consideration of additional school closures.

The trustees have an opportunity to rebuild public trust in Austin ISD and draw families back into our public-school system toward a more equitable future for all.”