TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey State Board of Education has named Dr. Lily Laux as acting commissioner of education, effective at the close of business Wednesday, Feb. 4, following the departure of Commissioner Kevin Dehmer.
Laux was nominated by Gov. Mikie Sherrill to serve as education commissioner and will lead the department in an acting capacity while awaiting confirmation by the state Senate.
“One of my first priorities is to get into schools across New Jersey to listen, learn, and lift up the great work happening in classrooms and communities throughout the state,” said Acting Commissioner Lily Laux. “New Jersey’s deep commitment to public education is what drew me here, and I look forward to working alongside educators and families to build on that strong foundation and address the challenges our schools face today.”
As acting commissioner, Laux will oversee the implementation of Gov. Sherrill’s education priorities, with a focus on collaboration with educators, families and community stakeholders. Her agenda includes strengthening student achievement from early childhood through high school, improving literacy outcomes, and expanding access to high-impact tutoring for K-12 students.
Laux also said she will prioritize addressing the state’s teacher shortage and work to modernize and stabilize New Jersey’s school funding formula to promote equity, transparency and long-term fiscal stability for school districts.
Additional priorities include expanding access to preschool, supporting programs that connect students and families to critical services, strengthening student mental health supports, and enhancing online safety for children to ensure safe and inclusive learning environments.
Laux began her career as a middle school teacher in Memphis, Tennessee. Most recently, she served as a principal at ILO Group, working with state agencies, school districts and cross-sector leaders on major initiatives. She previously spent nearly seven years as deputy commissioner at the Texas Education Agency, where she led school finance reform, the agency’s COVID-19 response, statewide literacy training for K-3 educators, the development of open-source instructional materials, and the expansion of college and career pathways.
She also served as executive director of Economic Mobility Systems, a nonprofit focused on improving outcomes for underserved students, and held leadership roles with Teach For America.
Laux earned a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin, a master’s degree in curriculum and instructional leadership from the University of Memphis, and a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University.
Dehmer, who served as New Jersey’s education commissioner since 2024 and held multiple roles during his nearly 20-year career in public service, has been appointed by Sherrill as the state’s next chief technology officer. He will oversee the New Jersey Office of Information Technology.
“I want to thank Kevin Dehmer for his many years of dedicated public service and leadership at the Department of Education,” said Kathy Goldenberg, president of the State Board of Education. “His commitment to New Jersey’s students has had a lasting impact, and we wish him well in his next chapter. We are also pleased to welcome Dr. Laux as Acting Commissioner of Education. Her experience, leadership, and deep understanding of state education systems will be a strong asset as we work together to support students and schools across New Jersey.”
The State Board of Education recognized Dehmer with a resolution during its Feb. 4 meeting. Laux’s nomination will next be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee before moving to a confirmation vote by the full Senate.
