Institute halts classes for some students
School begins process of placing students in other area programs, unclear if appeal is planned
LOWER POTTSGROVE » The 63 students enrolled at Antonelli Medical and Professional Institute were updated Aug. 25 on the circumstances surrounding the abrupt cancelation of classes this week.
A two-page letter from Rick Reikob, Antonelli executive director and COO and posted on the school’s website, outlined the next steps, which includes a “teach-out process” for students currently enrolled, as the school moves toward closing permanently.
The communication comes just days after classes were halted on Aug. 23 and follows the U.S. Department of Education denial of the school’s participation in student financial aid programs.
According to the Department
of Education denial letter sent to Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute owner and CEO Edward Gillespie, the decision was made based on Gillespie’s unsatisfied liabilities with another school — American Beauty Academy. That school is not affiliated with Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute — beyond the shared ownership.
As a result of the decision, financial aid to students at Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute will end effective Aug. 31.
“I understand that this is extraordinarily difficult news to hear; this is a life altering change for you all. My heart is with you as you continue on your journey. Please keep your heads held high and venture forward with the ultimate goal to fulfill your dreams,” Reikob wrote.
According to the letter, students that are currently on externships — day and evening, and those day students currently in their last module of study — will be offered the opportunity to complete their program at the Lower Pottsgrove facility. Classes for those students were set to resume Monday, Aug. 28.
Students enrolled in the evening program and the day program that are not in their final module will be given information about completing their training at another area-institution — the “teach-out” plan.
“AMPI (Antonelli Medi-
“I understand that this is extraordinarily difficult news to hear; this is a life altering change for you all. My heart is with you as you continue on your journey. Please keep your heads held high and venture forward with the ultimate goal to fulfill your dreams.” — Rick Reikob, executive director, COO, Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute
cal & Professional Institute) officials are already in negotiations with a number of other area schools that are willing to help our students complete their education, as they initially set out to do,” Reikob wrote. Berks Technical Institute was onsite Monday, Aug. 28, at 9:30 a.m. to meet with potential students.
Reikob added that three employees will remain at Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute as the teach- out plan moves forward.
“The staff and faculty that remain, are here on a voluntary basis for the greater good of our students and the community at large,” Reikob added.
“All currently enrolled students that participated in a Title IV program will be eligible to apply for loan forgiveness once the school has officially closed its doors permanently,” Reikob wrote. “As it stands, the school does not intend to close its doors until students that are currently on Externship and those that are in their last mod have completed their Externship.”
Reikob directed students to a Department of Education website for information about loan forgiveness and other options — https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repayloans/forgivenesscancellation
The site includes different scenarios about the discharge of loans and forgiveness, including a school closing.
The U.S. Department of Education could not provide additional specific information because the process is still moving forward. Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute has two weeks from the date of the denial letter — Aug. 22 — to file an appeal.
According to Reikob’s posting to students, all stu-
“All currently enrolled students that participated in a Title IV program will be eligible to apply for loan forgiveness once the school has officially closed its doors permanently. As it stands, the school does not intend to close its doors until students that are currently on Externship and those that are in their last mod have completed their Externship.” — Rick Reikob, executive director, COO, Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute
dents will receive an official copy of their transcript, an unofficial copy of their transcript and a copy of their general ledger card. The documents was scheduled to be mailed to the current address that is on file on Tuesday, Aug. 29, unless it is indicated otherwise.
Gillespie is a principal owner in American Business Academy, which at one time owned both American Beauty Academy and Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute.
In November 2015, Gillespie was notified that the U.S. Department of Education had revoked the Program Participation Agreement for American Beauty Academy for allegedly using improper methodologies in calculating its 90/10 ratios for financial aid in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
American Beauty Academy closed Nov. 18, 2015. In Aug. 2016, American Beauty Academy was assessed with liabilities in the amount of $5,566,319.92. According to the letter from the Department of Education, American Beauty Academy failed to make any payments on that outstanding debt.
That history was cited by the department as a failure to meet the standards of financial responsibility, and a reason to deny Antonelli’s recertification application.
Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute is located at 1700 Industrial Highway in Lower Pottsgrove. The school opened in 1986. After being purchased by American Business Academy in 2013, the school focused on offering career training programs in nurse aid, medical assistant and medical office secretary. In July the school launched a new barber program.