MANTON -- Wednesday morning prisoners from Pugsley Correctional Facility near Kingsley were taken to Manton to clean.

The problem is, they were working right in front of Manton Consolidated Schools as kids were walking to class, and that has parents appalled.

Gui Hissong, a Manton Schools parent says, "I was immediately upset, I immediately jumped out and ran into the school. How often do we hear so and so escaped on a work release?"

Kaye Gary says, "What happens if they take our kids hostage. I think it's dangerous."

Officials at Pugsley Correctional Facility say the Wexford County Road Commission contracted eight inmates to clean the streets in front of the school. It's part of the Public Work Crew program funded by the state.

Eric Smith, Warden's Administrative Assistant at Pugsley Correctional Facility says, "There's a rigid screening each individual goes through. If they commit certain crimes they're not even eligible."

Inmates convicted of sexual crimes, or arson are not allowed in the program. They also have to be nearing the end of their sentence. Still, school officials say they wanted to be notified.

Manton Elementary Principal, Catherine Smart says, "We're concerned when parents are concerned. They entrust us with their kids."

Even though inmates in that program are allowed in school zones, Pugsley Correctional Facility officials say they will not send them to those areas anymore.

The Public Works Crew program ends May 1st due to state budget cuts.