Mrs Dean, who came out to meet the more than 30 parents, supporters and pupils, said she would ask Education Minister Anne Tolley to keep the school open, a response greeted with applause.
Mrs Tolley has said she was satisfied the school should close, but no final decision would be made until she had considered all the information provided by commissioner Mike Allison.
Mr Allison has until February 15 to advise if he has any arguments in favour of the school at Herbert staying open.
Parent Michelle Macdonald said the school's supporters wanted to get the minister's attention so the depth of feeling for the school got through.
"Hands Off Our School", "We Love Our School" and "Otepopo School Is The Best In The World" some of the placards read.
The starting roll for term one was 18, with a possibility of two other children.
There were also other preschoolers due to start this year, Mrs Macdonald said.
Another parent, Sarah Hamer, has two children at Otepopo and another two younger children "who want to go".
The children loved the school and their teachers and they were happy there.
"They cried and cried when they heard it was closing."
Jodie Freeman said the environment was "brilliant" for her son who has special needs.
"We'll be there fighting till the very last minute," she said.
Mrs Dean said the school community had kept her informed on the issue and she had been to see Mrs Tolley, as well as having written to her several times.
Mrs Dean was strongly in support of the school being kept open.
The present school community was determined to put problems in the past behind them and they had a "huge degree" of community support.
She intended delivering a placard, which bore the message "Save Our School Please", and showed a face with tears, held by Rea Wiebus (7), to Mrs Tolley.
The group also met Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton yesterday.
