Members of the Stamford community blasted the Board of Education's decision to not expand a program designed to serve as a bridge between school and home.

Local clergy, school administrators and community activists took to the podium Thursday to voice their displeasure.

They say they want the Domus Knights program for another three years at Stamford High School and they want it expanded into Westhill High School.

A member of the Board of Education says there were data concerns regarding the actual efficiency of the program as well as potential policy violations.

Advocates say the program is funded through a private party and doesn't cost Stamford taxpayers a dime.

Olympia Della Flora says the biggest impact of this decision is family advocates will soon be taken out of schools and unable to assist with real-time issues students face.

"I work closest with the Family Advocate program and I have not heard from one parent, I have not heard from one student, I've not heard from one staff member or one administrator that is not in favor of the family advocate program," said Associate Superintendent Flora.

Board of Education member Jackie Pioli says she voted against expanding the privately funded program because she had incomplete information. Pioli said that although the program doesn't cost Stamford taxpayers a dime, that doesn't necessarily mean it's free.

"There's space in our building, there's technology that we give them," said Pioli.

Pioli adds, although she agreed to speak as a board member, she wants to make it clear that she does not speak for the entire board.

Clergy leaders say they feel race is playing a factor in the decision.