This was the report a local TV station ran at the very onset of the closing of Solid Computer Decisions.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The lights are off and computer screens dark at the Southside office of Solid Computer Decisions. A sign in the window says the school is reorganizing.
More than 100 students who used to attend class there gathered in the parking lot and wondered what to do.
"Now nobody is answering any questions. You call corporate and nobody is answering the phone, " student Sean Sammon said.
Other students agreed.
"They've returned none of my phone calls; none of my e-mail, " student Mike Boyle said.
Channel 4's Brad Puffer was able to reach a corporate representative from Charlotte, N.C., who confirmed that all their centers — including three in Florida — are closed.
"We apologize for the inconvenience we've caused, " Eddie Davis said. "Be assured we will reopen in two weeks. Refunds for students who want them will be available."
Even if the school reopens, students — most of whom took out an $11,000 loan to attend — problems may not be over.
In a letter, students were told that if they finished the course, they would get a job and a starting salary of $35,000. It turns out that promise of employment is against Florida law.
"Most of us came here for the job opportunity that they did promise, " student Chris Devera said." (We) come to find out that their business practice is against Florida regulations."
One of the school's former instructor told Puffer he's lost all respect for the company.
"Training has been dreadfully inadequate, " Walt Schroeder said. "Promises have been made to students; promises have been broken."
By the way, Schroeder said he has not been paid.
"It's a big mess, " student Mike Coyle said. "I'm afraid the whole thing is going to go down and I'm going to be stuck — out this money, with no education End of story
Since then Jerry Wingate has virtually disappeared and I am left holding an $11,000.00 bank note (excluding interest) for services that were never rendered. I received only 4 very badly presented classes, primarily because the teachers were so disgruntled about not being paid in weeks. Since then, I have heard rumors that Mr. Wingate is starting another business in another location, and has no plans to refund our monies.
Christopher
St. Augustine, Florida
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