Donatenow

CSB could sell for $1M, but Chicago campuses would close

  • By Peter Sachs
  • Staff Writer
  • April 16, 2009 @ 8:00 AM
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The bankrupt CSB School of Broadcasting could be sold for $1 million to a company that previously owned some of the campuses, according to court documents.

Dick Robinson Media, Inc., has agreed to buy up the entire company, allowing 10 campuses nationwide to open, but not the two in the Chicago area. It would also pay up to $200,000 to take over building leases at some campus locations.

And students would be able to get full refunds on courses they signed up for but which never started, according to bankruptcy court documents.

Students who were in the midst of their studies at CSB when the company filed for bankruptcy in early March will be able to get a “a dollar-for-dollar credit…towards future tuition at any of the Acquired School Locations,” according to court records.

David Banner, the president of CSB, did not return a call late Wednesday.

A court hearing related to the proposed sale is set to happen this morning in Boston. The bankruptcy court must still hold an auction before the sale can be finalized.

If no other bidders submit a higher price, then Robinson Media would take over CSB’s assets. Robinson Media previously owned 13 of the campus locations until selling them to DLJ Growth Capital Partners, an investment company, in late 2005.

The proposed sale isn't good news for the CSB campus in the Loop and another in Downers Grove, which would close unless another buyer agrees to keep them open.

Students had previously expressed concerns that they would be unable to finish their courses and unable to get refunds. The program costs $12,000 and typically takes students three to four months to complete. At the end of their studies, students receive a certificate of completion. The CSB School of Broadcasting is classified as an unaccredited vocational school.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated how many schools would reopen. Under the terms of the proposed sale, just 10 schools in six states would reopen. The remaining schools, including both in the Chicago area, would shut down, unless another buyer emerges for those locations. This story has been modified to remove the incorrect information.

Daily News Staff Writer Peter Sachs covers higher education. He can be reached at 773.362.5002, ext. 18, or peter [at] chitowndailynews [dot] org.

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