Franklin vocational school closing

FRANKLIN, Ohio (WDTN) - A vocational school in Warren County is closing up shop, but giving its students several options. The school is Lincoln College of Technology at 201 East Second Avenue in Franklin.

The school has about 140 students currently and offers classes in criminal justice, medical assisting and business. A spokesman for the school says students can transfer without interruption to either the downtown Dayton campus or the Cincinnati school.

Students have until September 14 to decide. According to spokesman Scott Shaw, if the other locations don't work for a student then that person can get a refund as long as he or she is still actively enrolled as of September 21. Those who are due to graduate before the end of the year can finish classes at the Franklin campus.

The Franklin campus employs about 25 people and Lincoln Educational Services says it's too early to know how many will remain on staff.

Lincoln says a change in federal regulations is the main reason for closing. As of July 1, non-high school graduates are no longer eligible for Title IV funds and they can no longer simply take a test to apply for the federal assistance. They must have a high school diploma or GED. The school also cited the "weak economy" as a reason for consolidating campuses in a letter to Pam Elliot, 2 News on Assignment investigator.