Gov. Phil Murphy on Jan. 29 nominated Kevin Dehmer to be the state’s new Department of Education commissioner.
“Ensuring that New Jersey’s schools are ready to meet the ever-changing and evolving needs of our communities is crucial,” Murphy said in a Jan. 29 press release. “Nobody is better prepared to meet this charge than Kevin, who has spent more than 15 years at the New Jersey Department of Education, including two stints as interim commissioner [in 2018 and 2020]. His wealth of experience in education policy and proven commitment to improving educational outcomes for all New Jersey students will make him an indispensable asset.”
Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, who has been acting N.J. DOE commissioner since October 2020, is retiring Jan. 31. Dehmer will serve as acting commissioner pending state Senate confirmation.