In the Matter of the Suspension of the Certificates of Courtney Lelli, Vineland Public Charter School, Cumberland County, 2/23/2022, (#38-22)

Agency Dkt. No. 4-1/22
New Jersey Commissioner of Education
Decision
In the Matter of the Suspension of the
Teaching Certificates of Courtney Lelli, Vineland
Public Charter School, Cumberland County.
For petitioner, Geoffrey N. Stark, Esq.
For respondent, Courtney Lelli, pro se
This matter was opened before the Commissioner of Education on January 13, 2022, by way
of an Order to Show Cause served by petitioner (Vineland Public Charter School) upon respondent
(Courtney Lelli), 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 for resigning without giving the
notice required by her teaching contract. By notice dated January 13, 2022, the Office of
Controversies and Disputes (Office) acknowledged proof that the Order to Show Cause had been
served upon respondent and directed respondent to answer within 20 days.
On January 24, 2022, respondent sent email communication to the Office indicating that she
would not be taking further action with respect to this matter. The Office sent a response on
January 25, 2022 advising respondent that if she chooses not to contest the matter, then each
allegation in petitioner’s papers would be deemed admitted and that the Commissioner would
decide this matter on a summary decision basis, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:3-1.5(e). Alternatively, the
Commissioner advised that respondent had the opportunity to submit opposition challenging the
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petition. On January 29, 2022, respondent confirmed that she was not contesting this matter any
further.
The petition, certification, and supporting exhibits submitted by petitioner in this matter
indicate that: the respondent was hired by petitioner as a ten-month kindergarten teacher for the
2021-22 school year; respondent entered into an employment contract with petitioner that
required 60-days’ written notice prior to respondent’s termination; after the close of business on
November 24, 2021, respondent sent an email to the Principal indicating that she was resigning,
effective immediately, and that she would not be reporting to work after the Thanksgiving holiday.
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
ACTING COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION
Date of Decision:
Date of Mailing:
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.
February 23, 2022
February 23, 2022