Cosmetology board recommends approval for three school applications, referrals go to state health agency

The cosmetology licensing board on July 30 recommended approval of three separate applications for cosmetology schools and training programs and will forward the files to the Department of Public Health for final action.

The board recommended that the Department of Public Health be sent a change-of-ownership application for the International Institute of Cosmetology after the school’s owners told the board they are removing a 10% minority owner. Martin Gugliati, identified in the meeting as one of the owners, said the controlling ownership will remain with himself, his father Carmine and Leonardo Gugliati, and that the school had completed recent inspections and “we submitted all the paperwork.” Board staff said the recommendation could be approved contingent on receipt of any outstanding, current fire-inspection reports; staff noted the school’s last fire inspection was performed in March and asked the owners to provide any updated reports.

The board also recommended approval of a new school application from JCRS Hairdressing Academy, which would operate in Cromwell, Connecticut. Jessica Dudley, who said the school will operate inside her salon, recused herself from the board’s recommendation discussion and vote on that application. Board members confirmed the JCRS curriculum includes 200 hours of texture training as part of its program.

Finally the board recommended approval of Sono Academy’s relocation to a new property. Jennifer Beley, Sono’s campus director, answered a curriculum question about texture training; a board member suggested adding the parenthetical term “textured hair” next to existing curriculum language on chemical textured services so the scope is explicit.

All three recommendations were made by voice vote and approved by the members present; the board’s actions are recommendations only. As board staff member Frank explained during the meeting, “Ultimately, it's the Department of Public Health that is granting any approvals.” Board staff said they will compile the recommendation packets and forward them to the Department of Public Health and to the Department of Higher Education as needed for final processing.

The board noted recusals where owners or applicants were board members: Mark (recusal noted for the International Institute matter) and Jessica Dudley (recusal noted for JCRS). For the International Institute change of ownership, board staff asked the owners to schedule any needed inspections and to provide updated reports so the Department of Public Health can complete its review.

The meeting ended after the three recommendation motions were approved and the board adjourned.