Manatee County School Board members may soon consider a proposal to sell a plot of land near Jessie P. Miller Elementary School.
A developer is offering the school district $1.8 million for the property potentially opening it up for retail development.
School Superintendent Rick Mills said the money could help the financially struggling district.
"We've sold vehicles from our fleet, we've looked for ways to save money around energy, we're looking at different options beyond that to save money but we're running out of options," said Mills.
But some residents and parents are pleading with the board to look for other ways to save money.
They attended a school board meeting Tuesday night to voice their concerns.
They said the green space, known as McKelvey Park, was named after a popular coach and means a lot to the community.
"McKelvey Park is something that can't be taken away," said one speaker.
A group of retired educators presented the board with a petition asking them to keep the park.
People opposed to the park said it would create traffic problems and rob the children of a recreational area.
"Once it's gone, it's gone," said Lela Hartsaw who has two children who attend the school. "I believe there are other ways that we can raise money to solve this deficit problem without taking something that is beautiful away."
Superintendent Mills said he isn't taking the decision to recommend selling the land lightly. He said his staff is still assessing the safety and traffic issues.
The board did not vote on the issue. It is expected to be discussed further in May.