Bobbi Laipple, a PLS parent, expects to be vocal in the process, but hopes that everyone can get past the initial anger with the administration so they can all work together to find a solution that will save the school.

"This needs to be done in a way that we will be heard," she said.

Though Allen said he heard the comments and concerns of those in attendance, he said there was little that could be done to convince him to change his recommendation. Parents wanted the opportunity to raise money to save the school, but Allen said the cost goes way beyond the proposed $17 to $30 million it would take to renovate or rebuild the school.

"More importantly is that annual cost. We have to reduce the cost. The school is a very good school, but small classes and high cost per student is not one that we can sustain," Allen said. He added that even a yearly operating budget of $1 million would likely require a $30 million endowment.

Allen said figures aren't finalized, in part because it is still unclear how many of the PLS teachers will lose their jobs with the university, but he estimated the closure could save the university up to $2 million annually.