By Anne Arntson and Angela G. Barnes

The Noble Network of Charter Schools is looking to move into the Southwest Side, and some community members are not happy about it.

Educators gathered at Back of the Yards College Preparatory High School before heading to Thomas Kelly High School, where students, educators and local officials spoke out against the new proposal. Noble wants to build two new charter schools in neighboring Brighton Park, but students and teachers say there are plenty of good options in the area.

One of the sites that Noble is considering is a lot at 47th Street and California Avenue, less than 1 mile from both Back of the Yards and Kelly High, two schools in Brighton Park.

Some students fear their classmates will transfer to the new charter schools, and that lower student populations will decrease funding for after-school programs.

Chicago Public Schools is currently reviewing Noble’s proposal. Community group Brighton Park Neighborhood Council will meet again on Aug. 10 to discuss its recommendations to CPS.