Accountability in School’s Closing

Re “No More Menus: Culinary Institute Closes, Shocking Student Chefs,” May 23.

I am 45 years old and have always had a dream to become a chef. For the last 26 years I worked as an accountant. I decided to change careers and join the Los Angeles Culinary Institute last May. I paid the $2,500 admission fee and $500 a month, not an easy thing for me to do. It took all of my savings.

I noticed early on that things just weren’t what they were supposed to be. Within the first two weeks of class we went through three different teachers, all of varying skills. Our uniforms and knife kits were late. The school would bring in a new class of students and merge them with us, taking up class time with beginners. There never were enough pans, equipment or ingredients for all of us to use. We knew something was up, but our questions and concerns went unanswered.

This was not the cooking school experience I had anticipated. After six months I quit. It saddens me that my fellow students lasted a full year. They were to graduate this November. I remember their excitement, like my own. We were doing (finally) what we loved.

The owners need to be held accountable. How could this have happened? Why was the school not monitored more closely? We all need some answers. Why won’t the owners come forward and take responsibility for ruining the lives, hopes and dreams of so many students who put their trust and money into this program?

LINDA S. KEOUGH

Canoga Park