Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, the acting commissioner for New Jersey’s Department of Education for more than three years, will step down from the post and retire, effective Feb. 1, she said via X/Twitter.
In a three-part post Nov. 27 on the social-media platform, Allen-McMillan wrote that her time as acting commissioner “has been one of the most rewarding professional accomplishments and experiences of my career. It truly represents the pinnacle of my 28 years in education, a journey and labor of love. However, since the passing of my mother this fall, I have taken the time to reflect with my husband and family on that career and its place in the larger tapestry of my life. That reflection has led me to this decision to boldly look forward to the next chapter of life knowing that the future of our great state’s education system remains in great hands!”
“After nearly three decades of service as a New Jersey educator, Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan took the helm of the New Jersey Department of Education in October 2020, leading the department for over three years during incredibly challenging times for our schools,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement released Nov. 27. “As [Dr. Allen-McMillan] has announced her retirement at the end of January, I want to take this opportunity to thank her for her service to the people of New Jersey and wish her nothing but the best in her next chapter.”
“AFTNJ extends our thanks to Acting Commissioner of Education Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan for the work she has done for our students, communities and members,” AFTNJ President Donna M. Chiera said Nov. 29. “While she was acting commissioner, she always listened to and recognized the professional voices of AFTNJ. Her professional knowledge, experience and demeanor will be missed. We wish her well in all future endeavors.”
ABOVE: AFTNJ President Donna M. Chiera (left) with Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan at an October 2022 event in West Long Branch. (Photo by Chris M. Junior)