| Assembly Education Committee Releases A-3228 Which Sets Standards for Tuition Reimbursement for School Employees |
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The Assembly members of the 11th and 12th Legislative Districts are encouraged by the move today by the Assembly Education Committee to release a bill that would require certain conditions be met in order for school districts to provide their employees with tuition assistance for coursework or additional compensation upon acquisition of academic credits or completion of a degree program.
This bill was created in the wake of the revelation that certain members of school administrations as well as teachers, were receiving higher degrees from non-accredited schools or 'diploma mills,' for which they received pay raises. This bill will require that the institution for which the employee is receiving the reimbursement be fully accredited with the State of New Jersey.
"This law ensures that all taxpayers have peace of mind paying for legitimate education," said Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (District 12), "that will assist their children in the classroom, rather than a meaningless title and accompanying pay bump. It's another step to make sure that our education dollars are not being squandered."
"It is always important to encourage further education," said Assemblyman David Rible (District 11), "which is why tuition reimbursement is in place in New Jersey schools. However, it can't just mean getting a piece of paper that allows for a pay raise. These diploma mills take away from the accomplishments of men and women who work so hard for their degrees. It's important to draw a line between what constitutes real education and what is little more than a printing press."
"We set standards for our children at school," said Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon (District 12), "and standards should be set for their teachers. Fortunately, the majority of the teachers and administrators in our State set those high standards for themselves. This bill is for the minority that might take advantage of the tuition reimbursement system."
"This legislation will help to prevent the practice of using degrees from online diploma mills to benefit financially," said Mary Pat Angelini (District 11). "I am pleased to hear that the measure has passed through committee as it will set high educational standards for school officials and set appropriate examples for students."
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