Concerned parents told the Ottawa Public School Board that despite falling enrollment numbers, three local schools slated for closure need to stay.

Rideau High School, Parkwood Hills Elementary and McGregor Elementary are all tagged to close based on recommendations from a school board report released last week.

Parent Shelia Perry said Rideau is a hub for Ottawa's east end that draws most of its 500 students from Vanier and Overbrooke. However, the school has a capacity of 1,000.

"Yes we are aware of declining enrolment, and those are problems the board really has to examine, but we hope for creative solutions so that we don't lose a wonderful school," said Perry.

Residents can speak at a public meeting on Nov. 23, with a final decision expected to come on Dec. 15.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Maggie Padlewska