In the Matter of the Suspension of the Teaching Certificate of Natalie Ostrowski, Board of Education of the Township of Bedminster, Somerset County, 4/7/25 (#119-25)

119-25
Agency Dkt. No. 45-2/25
New Jersey Commissioner of Education
Final Decision
In the Matter of the Suspension of the Teaching
Certificate 	of 	Natalie 	Ostrowski, 	Board 	of
Education 	of 	the 	Township 	of 	Bedminster,
Somerset County
This matter was opened before the Commissioner of Education on February 18, 2025, by
way of an Order to Show Cause (OSC) served by petitioner, Board of Education of the Township of
Bedminster, upon respondent, Natalie Ostrowski, requiring respondent to show cause why an order
should not be entered suspending her teaching certificates pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:26-10. By notice
dated February 24, 2025, the Office of Controversies and Disputes (Office) acknowledged proof that
the OSC had been served upon respondent and directed her to answer within 20 days.
Having received no response, the Office sent respondent a second and final notice via email
on March 24, 2025, stating that if she did not file an answer within 10 days, each count in the petition
would be deemed admitted and the Commissioner could decide the matter on a summary basis
pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:3-1.5(e). 	That same day, the Office received an email from respondent
stating that she had received the OSC and notices and was “writing to give permission for the
suspension of my New Jersey teaching license.”
The petition and supporting exhibits in this matter indicate that on July 29, 2024, petitioner
sent respondent a letter of intent to hire her as a leave replacement middle school teacher for the
2024-2025 school year, with a start date of September 1, 2024. The letter states that non-tenured
teachers must give 60 days’ notice of intention to leave the district. Respondent signed the letter

2
indicating her receipt of it and her acceptance of its terms. On December 11, 2024, respondent sent
petitioner a letter announcing her resignation effective February 9, 2025, which petitioner
approved.
However, on or about January 2, 2025, respondent told the Superintendent of Schools that
she intended to terminate her employment on January 17, 2025, prior to the expiration of the 60-
day notice period. On January 9, 2025, respondent confirmed via letter to petitioner that her last
day at the district would be January 17, 2025, so that she could embark on a new career opportunity.
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(a) and further deems them sufficient to justify
suspension of respondent’s teaching certificates pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:26-10.
Accordingly, summary decision is hereby granted to petitioner, and respondent’s teaching
certificates are 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
COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION
Date of Decision: 	April 7, 2025
Date of Mailing: 	April 7, 2025
1 This decision may be appealed to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:6-9.1. Under
N.J.Ct.R. 2:4-1(b), a notice of appeal must be filed with the Appellate Division within 45 days from the date of mailing of
this decision.