La’James International College cosmetology school settles complaints

The owner of a cosmetology school with locations in Iowa City and Johnston has reached a settlement with the state regarding allegations on a lack of sanitation and improper supervision of students.

Cynthia Becher, owner of La'James International College, will pay a $10,000 fine. Becher and La'James administrator Tracy LaDage agreed to the settlement with the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, according to documents released Thursday.

Becher and LaDage, while agreeing to pay the fine and abide by other terms of the settlement, denied any violations occurred and that any sanctions should be imposed by the state.

In 2013, the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences accused La'James International of failing to disinfect instruments and equipment, failing to clean pedicure spas, and failing to provide a separate room for the practice of aesthetics. The school also allegedly failed to have enough instructors to supervise students, employed instructors without proper certifications, and failed to post notices that public services were being performed by students.

La'James International agreed to conduct quarterly 'self-inspections” at its six locations for a year and send reports to the state agency. It also agreed to ensure that supervisors and teachers have training and to track the instructors' teaching activities.

La'James is required to submit daily teaching logs on a quarterly basis for a 12-month period. The logs will need to indicate the name of the instructor(s), license numbers, the name of the course(s) taught, the length of time and the number of students taught.

Each La'James location administrator will need to take an additional two hours of continuing education specific to Iowa law and sanitation. The hours must be taken over the next 90 days.

La'James International is not affiliated with the Original La James College in Mason City.