San Jose parents are pressuring administrators to reconsider plans to potentially close their child's school.
Captain Jason M. Dahl Elementary School is one of five campuses on a list for potential closure in the Franklin McKinley School District. Officials say cuts are necessary because the district has lost 40% of its student body since 2011.
"I don't see a legit reason to close the school," parent Carlos Escudero said. "What budget? Budgets are going to punish our kids and our future?"
Many school districts across the state are dealing with declining enrollment and budget issues. Parents rallied outside Dahl Elementary before classes began Friday with the hope it will pressure the district to find cuts elsewhere.
Parents argue a school closure would lead to major transportation issues and would tarnish the legacy of its namesake, who many see as an American hero.
"No final decision has been made, according to a statement: "If Captain Jason M. Dahl Elementary is selected for closure, we remain deeply committed to honoring and celebrating the legacy of Captain Dahl, a hero who will always hold a special place in our community."
More than 20 years ago, the school district renamed what used to be Hillsdale Elementary after Capt. Jason Dahl, who attended the school as a child.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Dahl piloted United Flight 93, the plane that went down in a field in Pennsylvania as passengers heroically fought the terrorist hijackers onboard.
It's disappointing to think it could be closing," said Carol Heiderich, Jason Dahl's sister who also joined Friday's rally. "It's been a community school ever since I went to kindergarten here. My siblings and I all went through here and it was such an honor when they decided to name it after Jason."
Get a weekly recap of the latest San Francisco Bay Area housing news. Sign up for NBC Bay Area’s Housing Deconstructed newsletter.
Heiderich said their parents were even involved in the PTA at the school when they were kids.
"Being in education for the last 40 years myself, I understand that part, but this is a community that I've known all my life," Heiderich said. "I think Jason would feel the same way -- that this community needs to be supported."
Another parent named Crystal added: "This is the only school that’s been named after a hero. Especially someone who passed away on such a historic day. And to have to close the school would break our hearts."
Other parents argue the school has room to expand, adding it is one of a few trauma-skilled campuses critical for many students in need.
Mother Charmaine Polack said Dahl Elementary has been crucial in the education of her two foster children.
"My boys had emotional trauma prior to me taking care of them, and they have come a long way in the last year," Polack said.
An advisory committee will give its final recommendations on what schools should close on Wednesday. The school board will make its final decision on Feb. 11.
