[nlknauss]

After having read through the majority of the posts here, it's safe to say that everyone here is giving good sound advice on how to proceed. It is possible to have a "student run" team, but you have too figure out what you mean by student run when it comes down to team and financial management and whether or not your student leadership has the means to handle payments, travel plans, and robot construction.

I really have to emphasize that along with your corporate/sponsor relations it is also extremely important to maintain a strong relationship with your school. Your school already has many resources that you can tap into that will allow your robotics team to continue well into the future when it comes to accounts, transportation, and insurance. If you feel as though your school doesn't get it, schedule a meeting with your principal, contact your senior mentor or another team in the area to bring into the meeting, and sell it to them. Pull some video off the web, print up some "FIRST abouts", and bring the teacher in with you. That teacher may not want to continue with your team, but they may be able to help you transition to another teacher or mentor for the future. I've experienced this in the past, it stinks to cut off or lose the majority of your experience almost instantaneously. Try to transition with what's already in place and don't start over. Greatness and experience is built upon.