TRENTON, Feb. 25, 2026 – On Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 – Dr. Lily Laux was confirmed as commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education. Nominated for the position by Governor Mikie Sherrill, Dr. Laux previously served as the state’s Acting Commissioner of Education.
Beginning her career as a middle school teacher in Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Laux has an extensive, diverse, nearly two-decade background in education. Immediately prior to her appointment, she was a Principal at ILO Group, an education strategy and policy firm, where she partnered with state agencies and districts to develop educational strategies. In addition, she served several roles during her tenure at Teach for America, planning and leading education-based projects in both Atlanta, GA and the Mississippi Delta.
Her journey eventually led her to the Texas Education Agency, where she served as Deputy Commissioner of School Programs, where she redesigned the state’s assessment program. During her tenure, Dr. Laux expanded the agency’s College and Career Readiness School Models, which increased associate degree attainment by 13%. She also spent several years as the Executive Director at Economic Mobility Center, a nonprofit that supports underserved students and their families.
As commissioner, Dr. Laux oversees the state’s public education system, leading Governor Sherrill’s education agenda. She will focus on improving student achievement, modernizing and stabilizing the state’s school funding formula to promote long term fiscal stability for school districts, and enhancing online safety for children. Dr. Laux also will lead the initiative for expanded access to preschool.
Dr. Timothy Purnell, NJSBA Executive Director, is excited about the new opportunities that can arise with Dr. Laux’s appointment. “The appointment of Dr. Lily Laux as Commissioner of Education affords us the opportunity to create a new paradigm and shape what comes next for New Jersey’s 1.4 million public school students,” he said. “On behalf of the New Jersey School Boards Association and our member boards of education, I offer my warmest congratulations and extend our full partnership. We look forward to working alongside Dr. Laux to build on what is working, address what isn’t, and ensure that every child in this state, regardless of zip code, has the opportunities and tools they deserve to succeed. The door at NJSBA is always open.”
The NJSBA congratulates Dr. Laux on her confirmation and looks forward to collaborating with her to support our mission to advance public education and promote the achievement of all students through effective governance.
