SAN DIEGO -- Gompers Middle School became a charter school in order to gain independence and has flourished since.

Now, school leaders said they can't grow because the San Diego Unified School District has other plans for the school's sports field.

Although it is summer break, many parents and students were at Gompers Wednesday to rally against the district's plans for the field.

Gompers leaders said they want the land to eventually develop into an athletic field, but right now it is just dirt.

Parent Yolanda Jordan said it is been like this for years.

"Our kids shouldn't have to run around on dirt and this tumbleweed and all this stuff out here. They've been doing it for 30 years, now let's change it," said Jordan.

Gompers recently received approval to expand and cater to high school students, and now they want a high school athletics program.

"That's why a lot of students have left Gompers because they want to play sports, and if you can't give it to them here then where are they going to go?" said Jordan.

Leaders said they have hit a roadblock, as the school district is expanding Millenial Tech Middle School, which is right next to Gompers.

The district is adding new buildings and a bus terminal on Gomper's field.

"We're talking about taking approximately 10 percent of 6.5 acres, which does not at all interfere with their athletic program," said Chuck Morris of the San Diego Unified School District.

10News asked Morris why Gompers can't do what they want to their school, especially since it is a charter.

"Gompers says they should have the right to build what they'd like on that piece of land," said 10News' Charisse Yu.

Morris responded, "That property does not belong to them, and agreements need to be worked out. I'm not saying that couldn't happen."

Gompers leaders said it may not happen because they have vigorously protested and the answer has always been no.

Gompers leaders also said the money to build the field would come from Proposition S and they would fundraise if needed.