[evanperryg]

The biggest problem I see in your original post, OP, is that the culture Z has created is not sustainable for FRC. (which I'm sure you already know) I'm sure his use of a syllabus and a core curriculum is an effort to make robotics more like a class in school. In some ways, this could be beneficial as it provides a more structured learning environment. However, how many students are going to sign up for another class outside of their normal school day, if it wasn't required? I know I wouldn't. In a later post, you also mentioned that your team is no longer involved in many recruitment events. Emphasize to Z that these events are how your team gets new members, so they are essential to your team's future.

The most important part of winning a civilized argument is understanding the perspective of your opposition. Read into Z's decisions, apply your understanding of him as a leader and as a person, and try to figure out his motivations for all these changes. In particular, I'd be interested to see if his changes have some relationship to the fact that he has a daughter on the team. In doing this, you will be more prepared to counter any argument he makes, and you will also be able to enter the argument with a more moderate position that will lead to a faster, more favorable outcome. As you approach him, I'd suggest you encourage Z to analyze how his changes will affect the team years from now. Although it is best to approach any argument in a moderate stance, don't be afraid to become more aggressive if he simply will not make any concessions. Leveraging the school district's authority is a last resort move that, although it could result in a low-effort solution, would likely be time-consuming and result in a lot of unnecessary drama.

Sorry if it seems like I'm beating a dead horse, but approaching situations like this requires one to be well-prepared. I hope that my post will help.