IN THE MATTER OF THE SUSPENSION OF THE TEACHING CERTIFICATES OF BRUCE WILSON,SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN, SOMERSET COUNTY, 2/16/18, (#52-18)

52-18
IN THE MATTER OF THE SUSPENSION 	:
OF THE TEACHING CERTIFICATE 	: 	COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION
OF BRUCE WILSON, SCHOOL DISTRICT 	: 	DECISION
OF THE TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN, 	:
SOMERSET COUNTY. 	:
SYNOPSIS
In October 2017, the Commissioner of Education issued an Order to Show Cause requiring
respondent to show cause why an order should not be entered suspending his teaching certificate for
unprofessional conduct pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:26-10 for resigning his position without giving the
notice required by his contract with the petitioner. 	The respondent failed to answer the order.
Respondent was duly advised that – pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:3-1.5(e) – failure to respond would
cause each allegation raised by the Board to be deemed admitted, and might result in summary
decision by the Commissioner.
There being no response to the order to show cause, the Assistant Commissioner – to whom this
matter was delegated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:4-34 – concluded that the allegations, which
respondent has chosen not to deny, may be deemed admitted and justify suspension of respondent’s
certification. Accordingly, summary decision is granted to petitioner, and respondent’s certificate is
suspended for a period of one year from the date of the filing of this decision – a copy of which has
been forwarded to the State Board of Examiners for the purpose of effectuating this order.
This synopsis is not part of the Commissioner’s decision. It has been prepared for the convenience of the reader. It has
been neither reviewed nor approved by the Commissioner.
February 15, 2018

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AGENCY DKT. NO. 256-11/17
IN THE MATTER OF THE SUSPENSION 	:
OF THE TEACHING CERTIFICATE 	: 	COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION
OF BRUCE WILSON, SCHOOL DISTRICT 	: 	DECISION
OF THE TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN, 	:
SOMERSET COUNTY. 	:
For Petitioner, Andrew W. Li, Esq.
No appearance by or on behalf of respondent
This matter was opened before the Commissioner of Education on November 6, 2017, by
way of an Order to Show Cause served by petitioner (School District of the Township of Franklin) upon
respondent (Bruce Wilson), requiring respondent to show cause why an order should not be entered
suspending his teaching certificate pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:26-10 for resigning without giving the notice
required by his contract with petitioner. By notice dated November 8, 2017, the Bureau of Controversies and
Disputes (Bureau) acknowledged receipt of proof that the Order to Show Cause had been served upon
respondent, and directed respondent to answer within 20 days.
No answer having yet been received, on December 1, 2017, the Bureau sent respondent a
second and final notice – via regular and certified mail – directing that he file an answer within ten days.
The notice advised that, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:3-1.5(e), failure to answer would cause each allegation in
petitioner’s papers to be deemed admitted, and might result in summary decision by the Commissioner.
The certified mail return receipt card indicates that the December 1, 2017 notice was delivered on
December 9, 2017. No answer to the Order to Show Cause has been filed as of this date.
The certification submitted by the petitioner in this matter states that: respondent entered
into a contract for the 2015-2016 school year, which was renewed for the 2016-2017 school year;
respondent was 	expected to 	report 	to 	work for 	the 	start 	of 	classes 	on September 	13, 	2017; 	on

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September 8, 2017, respondent submitted his resignation; and on September 10, 2017, respondent clarified
that his resignation was effective immediately. The respondent has not denied these allegations; therefore,
the Commissioner deems such allegations to be admitted pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:3-1.5(e) and further
deems them 	sufficient 	to 	justify 	suspension 	of 	respondent’s 	teaching 	certification 	pursuant 	to
N.J.S.A. 18A:26-10.
Accordingly, summary decision is hereby granted to petitioner, and respondent’s teaching
certification is suspended for a period of one year from the filing date of this decision, a copy of which shall
be forwarded to the State Board of Examiners for implementation of the suspension.
IT IS SO ORDERED.1
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION2
Date of Decision: 	February 15, 2018
Date of Mailing: 	February 16, 2018
1 This decision may be appealed to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court pursuant to P.L. 2008, c. 36
(N.J.S.A. 18A:6-9.1)
2 This matter has been delegated to the undersigned Assistant Commissioner, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:4-34.