DURHAM — African-American parents in Durham say they're just trying to protect their children, claiming their new school superintendent is racist.

Ann Denlinger of Wilson won the position by a narrow margin. The four votes cast in her favor were from whites while the three votes against her were from blacks.

Blacks who observed the voting procedure reacted by chanting a protest when Denlinger was declared the winner, but leaders from both sides of the table say now is the time to move on. They all say they will watch Denlinger closely.

PTA President Joyce McGriff says it's time to focus forward.

School Board President Katherine Meyers says she thinks Denlinger brings some much-needed skills to the Durham school system.

Curtis Gatewood, president of the Durham NAACP, says his group will be watching closely.

Teachers in Wilson say Durham is lucky to have Denlinger, and credit her with a rising literacy rate in Wilson County classrooms.