IN THE MATTER OF THE TENURE HEARING OF RENEE PULLIAM-NEWELL, STATE-OPERATED SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, ESSEX COUNTY, 11/17/14, (#455-14)

#455-14
IN THE MATTER OF THE TENURE 	:
HEARING OF RENEE PULLIAM-NEWELL, 	: 	COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION
STATE-OPERATED SCHOOL 	: 	DECISION
DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, 	:
ESSEX COUNTY. 	:
SYNOPSIS
Petitioning Board filed tenure charges of inefficiency against respondent, a tenured teacher, and
sought to terminate her employment with the District. 	Neither respondent nor any attorney
acting on her behalf filed an answer to the petition following notice pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:3-
5.3 and 6A:3-5.4.
The Commissioner concluded that, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:3-5.4(h), the allegations – which
respondent has chosen not to deny – may be deemed admitted and are sufficient to warrant
termination of the respondent from her tenured position. 	Accordingly, the Commissioner
granted summary decision to the petitioner, dismissed the respondent from her tenured position
in petitioner’s school district, and forwarded a copy of this decision to the State Board of
Examiners for review and action as that body deems appropriate.
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.
November 17, 2014

AGENCY DKT NO. 296-10/14
IN THE MATTER OF THE TENURE 	:
HEARING OF RENEE PULLIAM-NEWELL, 	: 	COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION
STATE-OPERATED SCHOOL 	: 	DECISION
DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, 	:
ESSEX COUNTY. 	:
For the District, Ramon E. Rivera, Esq. (Scarinci Hollenbeck)
No appearance by or on behalf of Renee Pulliam-Newell
This 	matter 	was 	opened 	before 	the 	Commissioner 	of 	Education 	on
October 7, 2014 through the certification of tenure charges of inefficiency by the State-Operated
School District of the City of Newark, Essex County against Renee Pulliam-Newell, a tenured
teacher in the District. The District seeks Ms. Pulliam-Newell’s dismissal from her position.
By notice dated October 7, 2014, the Commissioner directed respondent, via both
certified 	and 	regular 	mail, 	to 	file 	an 	Answer 	to 	the 	tenure 	charges 	against 	her. 	This
communication clearly provided notice to respondent that failure to answer within the prescribed
time period would, absent granting of an extension for good cause shown, result in the charges
being deemed admitted by the charged employee. 	Because no reply has been received from
respondent – or any attorney on her behalf – in response to the District’s charges, such charges
against respondent are deemed to be admitted.

The Commissioner has reviewed the tenure charges certified against respondent,
which specify that:
1. 	Respondent has failed to implement curricular goals and objective(s).
2. 	Respondent has failed to design coherent instruction.
3. 	Respondent has failed to assess student learning
4. 	Respondent has failed to create an environment of respect and rapport.
5. 	Respondent has failed to manage student behavior.
6. 	Respondent has failed to manage classroom procedures
7. 	Respondent has failed to establish a culture of learning.
8. 	Respondent has failed to communicate clearly and accurately.
9. 	Respondent has failed to use questioning and discussion techniques with flexibility and
responsiveness.
10. Respondent has failed to engage students in learning.
11. Respondent has failed to provide feedback to students.
12. Respondent has failed to attain student achievement that meets or exceeds performance
benchmarks.
13. Respondent has failed to reflect on teaching.
14. Respondent has failed to contribute to the School and District.
15. Respondent has failed to grow and develop professionally.
16. Respondent has failed to demonstrate promptness and attendance.
17. Respondent has received a partially effective/ineffective rating for the 2012-2013 School
year in an annual summative evaluation.
18. Respondent has received a partially effective/ineffective rating for the 2013-2014 School
year in an annual summative evaluation.
1

Deeming the allegations to be admitted and noting that respondent has failed to
respond to the charges certified against her, the Commissioner finds that the District has
demonstrated that respondent is guilty of inefficiency, warranting dismissal from her tenured
position.
Accordingly, summary decision is hereby granted to the District, and respondent
Renee Pulliam-Newell is dismissed from her tenured teaching position in the District’s employ
as of the date of this decision. 	This matter will be transmitted to the State Board of Examiners
for action against respondent’s certificate(s) as that body deems appropriate.
IT IS SO ORDERED.1
ACTING COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION
Date of Decision: November 17, 2014
Date of Mailing: 	November 17, 2014
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