By: Richard L. Smith
A longtime New Jersey educator has been stripped of all teaching credentials following a state determination that he improperly obtained disaster assistance funds in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
In a decision issued last month, the state Commissioner of Education affirmed a prior ruling by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners, which permanently revoked the teaching certificates held by Harry Guerriere of Jersey City.
The board’s original decision was issued in 2024.
According to findings outlined in the commissioner’s ruling, Guerriere and his wife misrepresented their primary residence in order to qualify for federal and state disaster relief funds made available after Superstorm Sandy struck New Jersey in 2012.
The storm caused widespread damage across the state, leading to billions of dollars in aid being distributed to displaced residents and property owners.
State officials concluded that the Guerrieres falsely claimed to reside in a home that was allegedly damaged by the storm, despite evidence indicating they did not primarily live at the address.
As a result, investigators determined the couple improperly received thousands of dollars in disaster assistance they were not entitled to under relief program guidelines.
The ruling emphasized that educators are held to high ethical and professional standards, both inside and outside the classroom.
The commissioner noted that dishonesty connected to public funds undermines trust and reflects conduct unbecoming of a certified educator, warranting the most severe disciplinary action available.
Guerriere, who taught in New Jersey public schools for decades, will no longer be permitted to work in any position requiring state-issued teaching certification.
The revocation applies to all certificates he previously held and is permanent unless overturned through further legal appeal.
Superstorm Sandy remains one of the most destructive natural disasters in New Jersey history, and state officials have repeatedly stated that fraud related to disaster relief programs diverts resources away from residents who genuinely need assistance.
No additional criminal charges related to the certification matter were announced in the commissioner’s decision.