Parents and staff held separate meetings with commissioner Mike Allison this week to discuss their feelings about four options presented in his latest report. The options comprised continuation, merger, a satellite school or closure.
Mr Allison was appointed commissioner in March following the dissolution of the school's board of trustees after a critical Education Review Office report.
An earlier report by Mr Allison, released last month, found a community concerned about the viability of its school and divided in its views over the future.
In a joint statement yesterday, parent media spokeswoman Michelle Macdonald and staff spokesman Andrew Dunn said it was "clear and unequivocal" that options of merger or closure were not appealing "or even open to consideration" among both staff and parents.
What was apparent and unquestionable was the intent to retain the site of the school. The overall depth of feeling for the school in the community was "still front and foremost".
"There are many other reasons supporting our decision, including what's the best educational option for the children, the children's feelings on the matter, as well as broader interests of the community, including the history of the site, that make it a matter of public interest to retain Otepopo School," Mrs Macdonald and Mr Dunn said.
The next step was to make written submissions, which would be sent to Education Minister Anne Tolley.
The pair said many people in the Herbert community had offered support, including standing for election on any future board of trustees.
The appointment of Mr Allison had been a positive move in regard to bringing people together.
"Overall, we left the meeting feeling positive and well informed," they said.
Otepopo School, a former winner of the Goodman Fielder best small school award, has a roll of 11. The principal is Ray Anderson.
