Patrick,
It's great to hear that you have a great resolve for the livelyhood of your team. I have had the same resolve when faced witht he same adversity and resonate with you.
However, regardless of what you do, the school is part of everything you do. You will have to work with the administration whether you like it or not.
We have a different scenario, we have a strong support from our administration. Perhaps it's because our organization is rooted so deeply now with the school?
I don't see any reason why the school would purposely try to get in your way though, there must be some other reason why they would prevent you from doing these things. Perhaps it is time to find out. Maybe they feel as if it was in the school best interest not to let you travel?
In any case, It's heartening to see your resolve, but at the same time remember who your team will have to live with for, pretty much forever
