[GaryVoshol]

So who pays for this team? I see nothing in this thread about corporate sponsorship or mentors. Check other threads about mentors, but if you don't have them, you're missing some good experiences and inspiration. Nor do I see anything about the roles of parents in organizing and supporting the team, another important facet of successful teams.

If the school is paying for the team, they can set it up how they want it. It's the cynical Golden Rule: Them that has the gold makes the rules. You will have to work with the new teacher and with the school administration to get things to work.

One other thought, perhaps the other student reported the new teacher's autocratic style because the students on her team weren't self-motivated like the ones on your team seem to be. If the students don't step up to take responsibilities, then they have to be assigned or things just won't get done. The issue of other drivers could have been seen as horsing around with the robot, which could have led to damage. Every second-hand report is filtered by the reporter's inherent biases and values. Have a team meeting with the new teacher as soon as possible.

PS If your old teacher is at college, could he return as a mentor as well? Many colleges work in partnership with FRC teams.