The Regency Beauty Institute is closing the doors at all 79 of its campuses. This includes the Kansas City location at 14133 E. US Highway 49.
The beauty school announced the closing on their website on September 28.
Lack of funds, the declining number of cosmetology students and negative characterizations of for-profit education by regulators and politicians are some of the reasons the school listed for the closure.
Some students were just four or five hours away from graduating. They were upset because they just found out the school was closing Wednesday at around 9 p.m.
Many of the students said they found out on Facebook, through an automated voicemail or a brief email.
On Thursday, students went inside Regency to pick up their things. Kansas City police were also called to "keep the peace." Only two students were allowed in at a time, accompanied by an officer.
Students were waiting outside the door at 9 a.m., the time the store would normally open. They were there at least an hour before a staff member came to talk to them.
When they cleaned out their things, students were given a note that listed other programs they could transfer to in order to graduate.
One student, Jess Oaks, is worried not all of her hours will transfer.
"I think giving us an alternative, and alternative school to go to… Not charging us for school we're not going to be receiving. I don't know what to do," explained Oaks.
Many of the students 41 Action News spoke with plan on going to one of the other programs to finish their training. The young woman who only had four hours left before graduating said that at this point, she did not want to transfer to another school.
Regency also forgot to tell their clients with appointments that they would no longer be open. One woman drove at least 45 minutes for her appointment at 9 a.m. Thursday. She said she made it just a week ago.
"The students have more frustration than what I have to go through. I can go to another beauty shop. What are they going to do with their credits? What are they do?" said Cathy Breshears, former Regency client.
Students of the school can pick up any personal items during the following times:
Thursday, September 29, 2016
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.Friday, September 30, 2016
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Resources for students and more information about the closing are outlined on the Regency Beauty Institute website.
--------------------------
Follow 41 Action News on Twitter:
Like 41 Action News on Facebook:
