Kawerau Intermediate pupils, teachers and parents gathered at Parliament this morning to try convince the Government not to close their school.
The Education Ministry is considering closing the Bay of Plenty school and merging the town's three primary schools because of falling rolls.
Labour MP Steve Chadwick said the community was only given one month to respond to the closure proposal.
"Community consultation is not rocket science and it won't impede progress, people have a right to take the driver's seat in the choices surrounding their children's education. (Education Minister) Anne Tolley has taken the wheel without consulting a local map, and I am anxious that schools will end up on a road to nowhere," Ms Chadwick said.
Mrs Tolley said the school had a month to put up a good case and she would see them again once they had.
"I tried to say to them 'look, you know, I haven't made a final decision yet', there's every opportunity for them to make a good case and I'll consider it."
She sympathised with their position.
"Absolutely, this is a very difficult position and the intermediate's worked hard over the last few years, very energetic principal, and they're all very committed to their school, everyone is. And so it is not an easy thing for them, so that's why I'm happy to have a good discussion with them."
The meeting was "constructive".
"This isn't a popularity contest, this is about getting good educational outcomes that will last the next 15, 20 years in Kawerau and, as I say, this is a legal process, I haven't made my mind up completely and I won't make my mind up so there's every opportunity for them to put their case."
