IN THE MATTER OF VINCENT ROUSE, MARION P. THOMAS CHARTER SCHOOL, ESSEX COUNTY, 2/12/18, (#41-18SEC)

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41-18SEC (SEC Decision: http://www.state.nj.us/education/legal/ethics/training/T11-17.pdf)
AGENCY DKT. NO. 302-12/17
IN THE MATTER OF VINCENT ROUSE, 	:
MARION P. THOMAS CHARTER SCHOOL, 	: 	COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION
ESSEX COUNTY. 	: 	DECISION
:
The Commissioner has reviewed the record of this matter and the decision of the
School Ethics Commission, finding that respondent violated the School Ethics Act for failure to
timely complete charter school trustee training in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:12-33. 	The
Commission’s decision was forwarded to the Commissioner on December 28, 2017, pursuant to
N.J.S.A. 18A:12-29, for the Commissioner’s final determination on the recommended penalty.
The Commission recommended that the respondent receive a suspension of 30 days for violating
the School Ethics Act. If the respondent fails to complete the online training program by the end
of the 30 day period, the Commission recommends that the respondent be removed from his
position. 	Respondent did not file exceptions, nor has he submitted proof that he completed the
online training program. Respondent also did not appeal the Commission’s underlying finding of
violation pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:4.
Upon review, the Commissioner concurs with the penalty recommended by the
Commission and additionally admonishes respondent for failing to honor an obligation placed
upon school officials by law, since such failure has resulted in unnecessary expenditure of
administrative and adjudicative resources at both State and local levels. 	Accordingly, the
respondent is suspended from his position as a school official for 30 days from the date of this
decision and is hereby ordered to complete the requisite online training program within 30 days.
If the respondent does not complete the online training program within 30 days from the date of

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this decision, the respondent shall be removed from his position as a school official found to have
violated the School Ethics Act.
IT IS SO ORDERED.*
ACTING COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION
Date of Decision: 	February 12, 2018
Date of Mailing: 	February 12, 2018
* 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)