[Discuss] Alumni Association - Update paperwork Issues

[Cecelia Howard]

ALL:

 

Wanted to provide some clarity and updates on a few outstanding issues.

FRANCHISE TAX ISSUES:

I've tried unsuccessfully since Feb 2008 to communicate the state of the franchise tax issues, my findings were ignored. This included several months of unsuccessful communication within the group just about those two issues. According to the officers whose name(s) were on the bank account: if they had a personal IRS liability, therefore they wanted to consult an attorney. Sharon suggested that a sub-committee was formed to included myself, Juliana, Carin and Paige. Initially, I was to chair this committee because of my accounting background. Although Paige was initially a part of the conversation she also shouldered the responsibility of chairing the December alum party. She did not want the added burden of both committees and ask that Carin just keep her updated on any findings. I began to include Paige on the sub-committee email updates, I was told that she was not to receive these updates. Now I am hearing that she was always on the committee. I have emails to substantiate my statements. When sub-committee meeting was scheduled anyone who was interested in learning more about the paperwork issues were invited. To verify that everyone was invited the following alum attended: myself-Cecelia Howard, Ean, Luis and Troy. Although other officers confirmed their attendance they were not present.

 

In my eagerness to resolve these paperwork issues as promised, I've been in constant communication with Atty Salinas over the past few months.  We've had detail conversation by phone at least four or five times regarding the 501c3 formation and to communicate my thoughts (based on 20+yrs accounting experience)and receive her guidance/consulting opinion on how to fix the franchise tax issue. Atty Salinas agreed with my approach to filing the franchise paperwork. Because this was not her area of expertise she wanted to consult with one of her colleagues who specialized in taxes at the firm. She also informed me that during the office meeting attended by Julianna and Carin she suggested that an accountant or accounting firm be contacted to clear up the tax issues and for future alum work. She also supported me in filing them since I did have an accounting background.

 

On January 12, 2009 the attorney held a phone conference with myself, Juliana and Carin. In addition, I invited Luis and Troy to also attend the meeting. They were in attendance at the sub-committee meeting and wanted to understand the process. Luis nor Troy were a distraction during this meeting.

 

STATUS:

I have filed all necessary documents and cleared up all SOS (Secretary of State) franchise tax issues. I completed the documents in the State Comptrollers office. Informed them of the missing accounting records for 1996-1999 and handled the matter as I was directed by the State Comptroller's office. The original forms given to us in the packet from the first attorney's office that I completed in February 2008 were the same forms I filed. It took me a total of TWO HOURS to straighten out this paperwork. I received a clearance letter and received instructions on how to move forward. The Original EIN from 1996 is what we are using to re-establish the organization. It is sad that a group of individuals were able to believe and support one another in whatever you do however, when it came to myself ... I was not given the opportunity to do what I promise. Fixing the franchise tax issues... Now it's done. What has taken 13 months could have been filed and fixed in two hours. Continously my hands were tied by a board who said I was trying to run everything, then when I followed the majority of the alumni BOD, nothing was ever done on the paperwork. I am really disappointed that we continued to embarass ourselves, the school, and this association. If we can ever learn to agree to disagree and have mutual respect for EVERYONE, not just your FAV cliche.

 

There have been several alum who thought it was the responsibility of the original founding members to straighten out these issues. I started reaching out to the original BOD in November 2007.  This is why Kim Dover came forth to work with me and eventually Luis was reached when he returned from Afghanistan fighting for all of our freedom. Although Luis might not presently be aware of all the particulars he is one of the original founding members and has earned a seat at on the Board as a Director.

 

What an amazing school Arts magnet at BTW HSVPA really is an amazing range of talented and gifted people. If we can find the same respect and dignity I was taught in the stone age of the school first formation. This would be an awesome alumni association. Have I made mistakes? yes.... Have you? yes! This has been a LEARNING Experience for us all. Who is perfect in all your ways among us? Who is right all the time? Who says everything right all the time?  Are we all responsible for being at times more tempermental than others? yes! How many people have we all run away?? NOT ONE PERSON...ALL OF THE 2008 BOD that have continued...

 

I would hope somewhere along the way, we can go beyond our personal egos, strife, division, personal opinions of one another and focus on what's important.... the STUDENTS, SCHOLARSHIPS, MENTORSHIP, NETWORKING, OFFEING OPPORTUNITY for OTHER ALUM PAST& PRESENT-& FUTURE....

 

In the Words of Rodney King.... CAN"T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG.

 

CECE