Post-Secondary Recongnition For Your School…..

In June 2013 most school owners starting hearing about the U.S. Department of Education now requiring schools who are licensed by a state agency to provide documentation that it’s state licensing agency validates the schools authority to offer POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION……

All schools are to be considered to offer either Secondary or Post-Secondary programs.  Secondary programs are programs that are taught to individuals who do not posses a High School diploma or G.E.D.  Post-Secondary programs are programs that are taught to individuals who posses a High School diploma or G.E.D.

You would think that this is a no brainer since the MSBC requires all schools to submit an enrollment agreement and proof of education on each student they enroll.  Guess again!!!

At the June 24, 2013 regular board meeting, board attorney Margarette Meeks voiced her opinion to the board stating that she felt that this was not an issue for the Cosmetology Board nor did she feel that the Cosmetology Board had the authority to make this determination.  Board attorney Margarette Meeks also stated that she felt this matter  should be handled by the State Department of Education or possibly through the Community College Board.

On June 25, 2013 I talked with Ms. Kim Verneuille, Executive Director for the Mississippi Community College Board.  Ms. Verneuille was very knowledgeable to the issue of Secondary and Post-Secondary identification for schools.  She further indicated that the only agency that could address this issue for Cosmetology schools was the MSBC.  I asked Ms. Verneuille if she could  reach out to the Cosmetology Board attorney Margarette Meeks so that the MSBC could move forward in assisting schools in this matter.

On August 12, 2013 at a special call board meeting the MSBC stated that schools wishing to have verification that they do in fact offer Post-Secondary programs, the school must submit proof of it’s admissions policy along with a written request asking for the MSBC to validate in writing a schools status.

At the August 26, 2013 regular board meeting I submitted the required written request for Post-Secondary verification along with the request I also submitted a sample format of the letter I needed to be drafted to satisfy the Post-Secondary verification.  I also asked the Board to consider updating the school licenses to provide for the schools status as well as the programs offered by the school.   At that board meeting, board member Dorothy Ennis made a motion to accept my request along with the proposed draft letter for Post-Secondary verification.  The motion was seconded by board member Waylon Garrett and approved by all, except Leisa McElreath who was out at an NIC conference.  Board member Dorothy Ennis also included in that motion for Executive Director Cynthia Johnson to work with “IT” to update the school license to included Post-Secondary status as well as programs which the school is licensed to offer.

On September 9, 2013 I RECIEVED THE LETTER, which states the following:

Please be advised that the following institution has bee approved by the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology though its license, Registration Number xx-xxx, to offer postsecondary education programs as listed:  School’s Legal Name, Address, Approved Programs

Accredited Schools you MUST make sure that your name matches on all documents…Your school licenses and letter must match with the name you have filed with your Accrediting Agency and U.S.  Department of Education.  Cosmetology programs that are taught through the Community Colleges will not be required to have this letter from the MSBC.  Your Community College status supercedes.

If you would like me to fax or e-mail you a copy of my letter submitted to the MSBC or a copy of the letter issued to me from the MSBC.  Please send request  through the comment section of this topic be sure to include your name, fax number or e-mail address.  Don’t wait until you need it.  I recommend you make this request a top priority!!!!

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