Cost of parts aside, what your school is really doing is creating a
safety issue. When those FEL lamps are installed, the
fixture loses it's UL
rating. If one were to burn down the building as a result, the school could be held negligent. Not to mention, their insurance probably wouldn't
cover it.
I also wonder how they will feel when you have to begin replacing all the reflectors due to cracking and flaking issues. Those things cost a lot more than lamps and sockets.
I would write an email containing all the information you are now armed with as well as documentation from
Altman specifying what lamps should be used in the fixtures (it should be downloadable from their site). Also include the costs associated with using the incorrect lamps in both replacement parts and energy usage. Don't forget to leave out the
safety aspect. I'd then
send it to key administrators such as principal/dean, directors, director of fine arts and the superintendent if applicable. Keep a hard copy for yourself. By all means, create a paper trail.
Keep your ruined lamps, bases,
etc if anyone ever needs to inspect them.