I'm sorry the meeting didn't go as well as planned. I hope the Director comes back with some good news. I'm not sure how you argue it, I'd start by researching if the district has a written policy to that effect, either way. Then look at the state board policies.........but I'm thinking you may have already checked that out.

Personally, I haven't had any luck getting the district to make exception to policy. I've done better taking advantage of situations in which there are no written policies.

Best of luck, let us know how it goes.