Florida Home Schoolers...re: FPEA Ballot...

[Holly in FL]

Have you turned in your FPEA Ballot for the change in the bylaws? I've been holding off because I was not certain on what the changes were exactly. Well, I got an e-mail from a friend this morning...and, it appears that a *no* vote is a contender!

If you want me to send you the e-mail I received...let me know.

~Holly

[FloridaLisa]

Holly, I sent you a private message with my e-mail. Thanks for letting us know about perspectives on the issue.

THanks,
Lisa

[Amy in Orlando]

Holly, can you email it to me, please? amy@thefoilhat.com

[Pster]

I did too.

ty

[Brenda in FL]

Holly,

Can you please send it to me as well. I wasn't going to vote until I found out what the changes were and why. I tried looking at the website and nothing was posted.

Thank you.

[Holly in FL]

Brenda...I don't have your e-mail.

Thanks!
~Holly

[Holly in FL]

Let me know if you don't get it. I sent it through this site.

~Holly

[Cathycam]

I got an email about it too, and what they said about voting no made sense to me. That's what I'll be doing.

[Brenda in FL]

Holly - I sent you an email with my email address. Thanks!

[flhomeschooler]

I found the below letter on another thread. It is signed by many past board members and officers of the FPEA - including Dr. Larry Walker who was an original founder of the FPEA. The package I received from the FPEA was so confusing and hard to navigate through, but this letter helped clear up a lot of the information for me.

=================================

From the homes of your former FPEA Leaders

Dear FPEA Member:

This letter is written on behalf of previous officers and board members of the FPEA, representing almost 70 years of service and leadership to this organization.

By now, many of you have received a packet of information from the FPEA which included amended Articles of Incorporation, amended Bylaws, a stamped postcard ballot and a letter from the current State Chairman, Gary Weaver. State Chairman Weaver has asked you to review the information and quickly vote YES to the proposed changes.

We urge you – DO NOT VOTE Yes to the proposed changes.

The current language in the FPEA Bylaws in Section IX, Miscellaneous, Section 2 – Amendments states:

These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of all votes cast by mailed-in ballots that will be mailed to all members of the Association as well as at a properly called meeting of the Association, or only through mailed-in ballots if requested by the Board. Any amendment must first be passed by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors and then a description and arguments giving various viewpoints, along with the mailed-in ballot, published in the newsletter or mailed out separately.

A description of the amendments and arguments representing differing viewpoints were not included. The FPEA, as a corporation, is bound by law to comply with its bylaws including how to make amendments to those bylaws. Failure to comply could result in future litigation. The current board failed to meet the requirement for amending the bylaws in that it did not supply those arguments. This bylaw revision is a direct violation of the Bylaws of the current organization. This action is a clear disregard for the foundation and structure of the FPEA.

Here is a short review of a few proposed changes:

Proposed: An organization based on Judeo-Christian values – Rather, the FPEA, founded in 1984, has grown to the largest and most comprehensive state homeschool organization with one common purpose - to support home education in Florida. Our unity is based on our common purpose, not on modality, religion or method of homeschooling. The FPEA was founded as an inclusive, membership driven organization.

Proposed: A state chairman elected by the Board of Directors – Currently, as a membership driven organization, the members directly elect the State Chairman. The State Chairman can then confidently represent the organization on the local, state and national levels knowing that s/he has been directly elected by the members served.

Proposed: A tiered system of exclusive membership, voting members can only be current homeschooling families – Rather, the FPEA’s membership is enjoyed by all persons who support the Association and all members have the right to vote.

Proposed: Directors serve for 4 years – Current directors are elected every two years thereby enabling short term leadership, change of leadership when disenchanted and diversity on the Board of Directors.

Proposed: Acceptance of donations, government grants and contracts – Currently, the acceptance of donations has historically been practiced. However, the inclusion of the wording “government grants and contracts” may expose the FPEA to adverse compliance requirements and excessive administrative reporting. Government grants rarely are issued to recipients without some form of performance modification attached, and all require outside audit review by independent Certified Public Accountants. Additionally, the FPEA has always discouraged the acceptance of any financial type of assistance from public education to home educators. How double-minded to accept it or seek it for the organization!

These proposed changes are not technical in nature, nor will they “ensure more and effective governance and efficient operation” as claimed by Chairman Weaver. These changes don’t just revise, they alter the very fabric and character of an organization that has been successful and nationally recognized as the leader among state homeschool associations. This organization, the FPEA, is the organization you chose to join as a member and it is your voice that must be heard.

By violating the By-laws and proposing the elimination of the participation of its members, the Board of Directors is displaying a clear and blatant disregard for the FPEA membership and the very core mission they swore to uphold.

We urge you again to NOT support these proposed changes. The FPEA is YOUR organization. Take it back – do not relinquish control to directors who believe they are above the statutes that govern the FPEA.

The FPEA is preparing to celebrate its 24th anniversary. The leaders who have signed below represent serving the FPEA for 23 of the 24 years of its existence.

We urge you to vote NO on the proposed amendments. Let’s remain Florida’s largest, nonprofit, all inclusive homeschool family association.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Boglioli (State Chairman 2004-06, BOD 2000-06)
LaWanda Sutherland (Secretary 2003-05, BOD 1999-05)
Anne Mejeur (District 10 Director 2000-2004)
Dr. Larry Walker (State Chairman 1984-85, BOD 1984-95)
Marcy Krumbine (State Chairman 1999-04, BOD 1995-04)
Muffy Amico (Vice-Chairman 1999-00, BOD 1998-01, FPEA Convention Coordinator 2001-05)
Jan Prentice (Sec/Treas/VC & BOD 1990-04)
Monte Hancock (State Chairman 1990-95, BOD 1986-95)
Bob Hemme (Vice-Chairman 2000-01, BOD 1998-2001)
John Kernohan (Vice-Chairman 2003-07, BOD 2000-07)
Sandra Smith (Office Manager/Publications Editor 1993-2001)
Peggy Starnes (District 7 Director 2000-02)

[TheTruth]

Now that Gary Weaver was removed by the FPEA Board from his position as FPEA Chairman and Pam Venezia is no longer the FPEA's Executive Director, maybe now the FPEA can return to its glory years of actually serving its members instead of trying to cause some of its members harm, embarrassment and even revoking memberships of those who might question the FPEA of its activities. So many of us have missed the days of service to its membership by the FPEA when its Chair was held by people such as Monte Hancock. Marcy Krumbine and Cheryl Bologio (all who were elected by the membership instead of by the board... maybe now the FPEA will go back to allowing its members to elect it's own Chairman.)

[homeschoolveteran]

Your post read, "Now that Gary Weaver was removed by the FPEA Board from his position as FPEA Chairman and Pam Venezia is no longer the FPEA's Executive Director, maybe now the FPEA can return to its glory years of actually serving its members instead of trying to cause some of its members harm, embarrassment and even revoking memberships of those who might question the FPEA of its activities. So many of us have missed the days of service to its membership by the FPEA when its Chair was held by people such as Monte Hancock. Marcy Krumbine and Cheryl Bologio (all who were elected by the membership instead of by the board... maybe now the FPEA will go back to allowing its members to elect it's own Chairman.)" Unfortunately, the "glory years" for FPEA will continue to be missed until the leadership that is currently in position (i.e. State Chair and FPEA Board), is held accountable for his/their violation of bylaws and statutes. Who can hold them accountable? The FPEA membership.How? By contacting the chair/officers/directors and asking for official minutes and other recorded documents. It seems those members who are requesting such are not obliged or are removed from membership. FPEA was founded upon the desire to serve the homeschooling community in the state and throughout the years, those in leadership have voluntarily worked to ensure it remained that way by giving years of committed and dedicated service to the homeschooling community. Hopefully, membership will insist on the board's accountability and simply not ignore what is taking place. We have a great organization and convention......let's keep it that way.