Recognition of Career and Technical Education Month, Fond Farewell to Commissioner Kevin Dehmer, and Key Appointments Made
The New Jersey State Board of Education convened for its regular monthly meeting in the first-floor conference room of the Riverview Executive Plaza in Trenton. With a very short agenda, the meeting focused largely on leadership transition at the Department of Education.
Resolution for Career and Technical Education Month
The New Jersey State Board of Education kicks off February’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month with a resolution celebrating CTE in New Jersey. The month of February 2026 has been designated nationally as CTE Month. Board Member Berry, Chair of the Career and Technical Education Committee, read the resolution celebrating the power of Career and Technical Education to inspire innovation, create opportunities, and prepare learners with the skills they need for success in college, careers, and beyond. From hands-on learning to strong industry partnerships, CTE opens doors to the future.
Recognition of Black History Month
In recognition of Black History Month, Board Vice President Dr. Nedd Johnson, highlighted an Amistad Commission-sponsored student engagement contest conducted in Pleasantville. The initiative engaged students in grades 4 and 5 in research, writing, and critical thinking focused on New Jersey’s African history. Winners will be recognized at an event hosted by William Paterson University in Northern New Jersey on Saturday, February 14. For more information and full contest details, visit: https://njamistad.com/get-involved/
NJ Department of Education Appointments
The Board unanimously approved several appointments pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:2.
Governor Sherrill nominated Dr. Lily Laux to serve as the next Commissioner of Education. Due to statutory requirements, Dr. Laux had to first be approved by the State Board as Assistant Commissioner. Once she was confirmed as an Assistant Commissioner, then Commissioner Dehmer could formally nominate her to serve as Acting Commissioner, which he did.
Dehmer resigned his position at the end of the day on Wednesday, February 4th, and beginning Thursday, February 5th, Acting Commissioner Laux took the reins at the NJ Department of Education. Upon receiving board approval, the Acting Commissioner said she is eager to listen, learn, and lift up the great work happening in classrooms and communities across the state. Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/4m8a8ppx
The Board unanimously recognized Commissioner Kevin Dehmer for his years of dedicated and distinguished service to New Jersey’s public education system, and his tenure.
Commissioner Dehmer began his career at the New Jersey Department of Education as an intern and, over more than two decades of service, rose to Commissioner. He previously served as Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Finance and Business Services and as Chief Financial Officer, overseeing nearly one-third of the state’s total budget. During his tenure, he played a significant role in the School Funding Reform Act, guided the safe reopening of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, and served as an architect of the state’s efforts to close the digital divide.
Board members highlighted Commissioner Dehmer’s leadership in advancing landmark education initiatives, including high-quality state-funded preschool, literacy improvement, and expanded student mental health supports. The Board members took turns offering personal remarks in tribute, noting his integrity, steadiness, and unwavering commitment to New Jersey students.
Additional appointments of the day included:
Dr. Joseph Howe to be the Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Finance and Business Services and Christopher Williams to serve as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Commissioner.
For more information about this meeting, or any other State Board matter, please reach out to your NJPSA Government Relations team. Additional information is available on the State Board of Education website and/or New Jersey Department of Education website.