[topgun]

A couple of thoughts:
1) Does the administrator have the authority to make that change? Go to their boss/school board and request a meeting. My assumption is you have a good working relationship with the people in charge and can show positive results from the team efforts.

2) If they remain steadfast in denying the team funds, beg for funding for this year with the expectation that you will not get funds next year. This buys you time to get through this year and raise funds for next year. Play on their guilt if you have to. Most organizations usually plan further out and what they are doing is a major blow to your team. They wouldn't like it if someone did the same thing to them. We had a sponsor one year that gave us money, but they were upfront that they would not be sponsoring us the following year.

3) Take over the new Vex program they are starting. You have everything in place with your team now to do Vex. It would be different but Vex has many if not more of the same STEM outcomes as FIRST.

Good Luck and let us know the outcome.