The commissioner and each of his assistants may administer oaths, take affidavits without charge, and examine witnesses under oath in any part of the state and upon any matter pertaining to the schools under his jurisdiction, supervision or control or under that of the state board and may cause the examinations to be reduced to writing. Any person willfully giving false testimony upon being sworn to tell the truth by the commissioner or any assistant commissioner, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
N.J.S. § 18A:4-31