And while all this negotiating and advocating, adult behavior and patience are going on, we have a little girl who's afraid to go to school because she's being kicked, hit, shoved, and verbally harassed?

Talk to the administrator once, no more. If you find indifference--which it sounds like you will--act immediately to protect your child. Children are scarred for life by bullies. Take her out of the school, find a decent one for her, and let the administrators know they lost a "customer" because of their callous attitude about bullying.You may save someone's life, and maybe it will be your child's.