DENVER -- Voting 7-0 the Denver Public School Board approved a plan to close eight schools in under-enrolled or poor performing Denver elementary schools Monday night.

The schools to be closed include: Hallet Science & Technology Academy, Wyman, Del Pueblo, Mitchell, Fallis, Whiteman, Smedley and Remington.

The plan also calls for closing several schools, then reopening them with different curriculums or grade levels. The schools in that plan are Horace Mann, Gilpin, Place, Kunsmiller and Cole.

Cole Middle School, which is in one of Denver's poorest neighborhoods, will be shut down and reopened for preschool through eighth grade.

Many people, from parents to principals to board members, said they have lost sleep over the proposal.

Some of these schools have been open for more than 100 years.

"It is controversial, but I think what's important is that we're doing the best thing for kids and making sure that kids have quality public schools," said Kim Ursetta, president of the Denver Classroom Teachers Association.

It's timing that couldn't be worse for Lora Shangreaux, who just moved into the area.

"The reason why I chose this school is they told me they have a lot of programs for Native American kids," said Shangreaux.

The idea of closing eight schools is a historic proposal that has weighed heavily on board member Michelle Moss.

"We are really trying to move forward academic achievement in this district, to close the achievement gap ," Moss said.

The reorganization plan has also tortured parents and teachers.

"Making sure there's transportation, clear options for kids, additional resources for struggling schools," Ursetta said.

And while there is optimism, there is also great angst in neighborhoods that stand to lose a part of their identity.

"This is not a better option. Not for my kids, not for any of the kids or any members of this community at all," said one parent at Smedley, where parents and students held a protest last week.

There is still much uncertainty among parents and teachers about who their principals will be and what their educational programs will look like next year.

If you have questions about why Denver Public Schools is making these changes or what the new programs will look like or even the qualifications of the new principals, check out the list of frequently asked questions and answers from the school district.