INDIANAPOLIS -  

A plan to turn a community elementary school into a Montessori school has some Indianapolis parents concerned.

Indianapolis Public Schools parents expressed their frustrations at a meeting Monday night about Superintendent Eugene White's proposal to transfer more than 500 students.

White went to William McKinley, or School 39, to let parents know about a proposal to move the more than 500 kids who go there to School 20, so that School 39 can be converted into a Montessori school.

"We have to have the largest building to have the largest preschool we can have for the south side of the district, and (School 39) is the largest building," White said.

"My question is what are you going to do with the special needs kids, the kids who really need help, my grandson?" asked IPS grandparent Janet McDonald.

Many School 39 parents are familiar with School 20 -- last year IPS moved School 39 kids there while their own school was being renovated.

Though less than a mile separates the two schools, some parents here say they don't have cars and the conditions of the schools are miles apart.

"They're going to take our kids and put them in School 20, one of the oldest dilapidated schools around here," said parent Shirley Pierce- Culpepper.

"We have got to get our kids ready for school. I don't like that it's a hassle, but if we don't do it, no else is going to do it for us," White said.

White said the move will make room for a new Montessori school and a preschool for IPS students living south of Washington Street.

"If you come after the second grade, you can't be in the Montessori program," said White.

"I don't understand where Eugene White is coming from because he says no kid left behind. If this goes through, all of the kids will be left in the dark," McDonald said.