Cambridge students and parents were shocked this week to learn that Cambridge’s Longfellow School could close next fall.

A plan released late last week by Superintendent of Schools Bobbie J. D’Alessandro would force the Longfellow School to merge with two other elementary schools and create a larger “international” magnet school.

The plan, which will be presented in full to School Committee members next week and voted on Nov. 19, aims to combat the city’s declining enrollment in elementary schools. Currently, Cambridge schools face a $750,000 deficit and an 11.8 percent drop in enrollment.

D’Alessandro’s plan would merge the Longfellow, Amigos, and King Schools into one school in the King building.

Some parents speculate that this could force some of the Longfellow students to be shuffled throughout the school system.

The change would rip apart Longfellow School itself, which is currently composed of two programs.

The Intensive Studies Program (ISP), currently housed in the Longfellow School, would move to the Kennedy School. Meanwhile, the King Open School, which shares one building with the King School, would move to the Longfellow School’s building.

The Fitzgerald School would become an arts magnet school.

Last month, D’Alessandro faced parental outcry when she announced that three schools would have to close or merge. According to D’Alessandro, the plan is not as drastic as she had originally intended because it closes only two schools.

“[The plan] didn’t take it as far as I would have liked, but it’s a start,” she said.

D’Alessandro said she did not expect any school employees to be fired as a result of the merger.

Committee members, whose approval is necessary for D’Alessandro’s plan to go into effect, said they would not consider the plan until it is sent to them in full with other minor changes expected to take place.

“For my own part I’m waiting to see the plan,” said Cambridge Mayor Michael A. Sullivan. “The final plan may have some additional elements.”

But local families seem to think there’s no time to lose.

Parents picketed outside the Longfellow School today to protest the proposed closing of the school and relocation of the ISP.