Iam requesting the state Department of Education to suspend the newly adopted Freehold Regional High School District policy No. 3240, “Professional Development.”
My cause for concern is that the policy limits tuition reimbursements to credits and degrees obtained from recognized accredited U.S. schools, but permits the FRHSD Board of Education to use “discretion on a case-by-case basis” when it comes to internationally non-accredited institutions.
The issue of accreditation — or lack thereof — is what got this district embroiled in such great controversy. Since these revelations were revealed, the following has occurred:
• FRHSD Superintendent of Schools James Wasser became a local embarrassment when his doctoral degree was identified as being from an online unaccredited diploma mill. He made matters worse by arrogantly defending it and insisting he be called Dr. Wasser.
• The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education stripped him of his doctoral title because Breyer State University does not meet the statutory definition of a duly authorized educational institution.
• With Superintendent Wasser foremost in mind, a new law has taken effect prohibiting tuition reimbursement and/or raises with degrees from non-accredited schools.
• Superintendent Wasser has further humiliated and embarrassed himself and the district by having his invitation revoked by the National School Boards Association. Mr. Wasser was to speak at the convention in April.
I implore that this FRHSD policy be suspended until the Department of Education legal team has an opportunity to thoroughly examine this policy. Until such action is undertaken, I see yet again (opportunities) for abuse to take place.
James Sage
Marlboro