Its management was reacting to the allegation of a Korean businessman concerning the “false information” the school supposedly presented to secure educational tax credit donations.
“The Korean Community School of Saipan obtained tax exempt status as a non-profit organization based on 501(C)(3) of Internal Revenue Service regulations in October of 2009,” the school stated in an email to the Variety.
The school said with IRS approval, they were able to get approval for ETC eligibility based on the regulations of the CNMI Division of Revenue and Taxation.
But a document obtained by the Variety indicated that the IRS denied the school’s request to expedite its tax exemption application.
The school said the questions asked by this reporter were based on information provided by an anonymous source.
“These questions are unfair to the Korean Community School which remains a responsible and honest member of the CNMI Community,” the school said.
The school claimed it has never knowingly or willfully submitted false information to any government agency.
“The school has also never intentionally misled the community or its agencies,” it said.
Legal opinion
The Korean businessman who disclosed the alleged irregularities committed by school had sought legal opinion from local lawyer James S. Sirok.
“Such action is criminal in nature, and constitutes a crime for which both the corporation and the individuals signing the required tax application on behalf of the corporation, is liable,” the lawyer said.
The school assured Variety it will respond to further inquiries.
“The Korean Community School remains in compliance with all local and federal law, and respectfully asks the Marianas Variety to stop publishing such untrue allegations against the school,” the school said.
The school said it began teaching Korean language starting with home lessons in 1986.
“The school has been registered with the CNMI Corporate Registrar as a non-profit corporation since 1994. There are currently 235 students enrolled in Korean language classes held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,” it said.
The school said it maintains a nondiscriminatory policy.
“The Korean Community School admits students of any race to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school, and the school does not discriminate on the basis of race in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, programs, scholarships, or any other school-administered programs,” the school said.
It added that over the years, the school has taught Korean language, culture and food to many local residents.
“All of the students have been happy and satisfied with the learning and experiences that the Korean Community School has provided,” the school said.
